Overview
Estimator (Groundworks)
Salary: £70 – 100k + package + bonus
Based: Bedfordshire (LU5) - Hybrid
An experienced Groundworks Estimator is required for a rapidly growing Contractor:
About the Company
A fast-growing, medium-sized groundworks and construction specialist, founded in 2017, operating from Dunstable and covering a 100-mile radius. With a recent turnover of £31.6 million, the business undertakes both residential and commercial infrastructure, specialising in cut & fill, foundations, drainage and general groundworks.
The company has invested heavily in plant, machinery and a strong supply chain, and has secured £40 million worth of new work recently. They run a high volume tendering operation, pushing out 4-5 tenders per month in the £15-20 million range.
Role
Estimator
Location & Working Pattern
Location: Office in Dunstable (on site/office hybrid)
Working Pattern: In office at least 3 days per week
Reporting to: Commercial Manager / Head of Estimating
Responsibilities
* Prepare fully costed, accurate tenders for groundworks / infrastructure projects, including residential and commercial work, in the £15-£20 million band.
* Work alongside / support a large team of surveyors producing tenders; contribute to tender strategy, risk assessment, procurement of subcontractors and materials.
* Analyse drawings, specifications, site data, and liaise with design, engineering, and operations teams to ensure estimation reflects site constraints, buildability, risks.
* Prepare cost breakdowns, bills of quantities, pricing schedules, material take-offs, labour rates, plant usage, overheads, and profit margins.
* Review / refine estimating processes; implement improvements and standard templates / tools.
* Monitor market rates, supply chain costs, material inflation, subcontractor pricing; ensure tenders are competitive yet profitable.
* Assist post-tender evaluations; learn lessons for estimating accuracy.
* Opportunity to build and lead your own estimating team in the future.
Candidate Requirements
* Minimum 5 years’ estimating experience ideally in groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure or related construction sectors.
* Proven track record of successfully estimating sizeable tenders (ideally in the £10-20 million+ range).
* Strong technical knowledge: foundations, drainage, infrastructure, cut & fill etc.
* Able to interpret drawings, site data, ground conditions, topography, etc.
* Familiar with cost estimation software / tools, measurement / take-off tools, procurement of subcontracts and materials.
* Strong commercial acumen, numeracy, attention to detail.
* Excellent communication skills—able to liaise with surveyors, engineers, suppliers, clients.
* Self-motivated, able to work in a team environment and under tight deadlines.
* Based in / willing to commute to Dunstable; able to spend 3 days a week in the office.
What’s Offered
* A competitive salary (to be discussed, depending on experience).
* Opportunity for progression: managing and building your own estimating team.
* Exposure to high value tenders + large scale projects.
* Stable, well-invested business, strong order book.
* Hybrid working: some flexibility, with in-office requirement.
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