Job Advert: Senior Estimator – Civil Engineering and Groundworks
Location
Aston, Birmingham (with projects across London and the South East, flexible working options)
Working Hours
07:30 – 17:00, Monday to Friday
Job Type
Full-time
Role Overview
The Senior Estimator will lead the preparation and production of competitive tenders for civil engineering and groundworks projects. The role requires analytical pricing from first principles, risk and opportunity evaluation, stakeholder collaboration, and contribution to tender strategy and post-tender activities.
Key Responsibilities
Review, prioritise, and manage new tender opportunities
Analyse tender documentation, including drawings, specifications, and site investigations
Liaise with commercial, production, planning, and procurement teams
Produce accurate take-offs and Bills of Quantities (BOQs) where required
Obtain, collate, and assess subcontractor and supplier quotations
Price schedules analytically and perform bid comparisons using estimating software
Identify risks and opportunities, including value engineering
Review client programmes for alignment with outputs, methodology, and sequencing
Lead and present tender adjudications
Submit detailed tenders including assumptions and clarifications
Attend client meetings (pre, mid, post tender) as required
Prepare and deliver tender information for handover to contract teams
Maintain and develop customer relationships
Collect and analyse post-tender feedback
Support the development of trainee estimators
Maintain cost databases and historical data for benchmarking
Provide accurate cost reports and advice to senior management
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
Minimum 5 years’ experience in estimating or a similar role
Knowledge of contract forms (JCT, NEC3/4)
Strong commercial and analytical skills
Understanding of risks and opportunities
Practical knowledge of measurement standards (SMM7, CESMM, Highway MOM, NRM)
Relevant higher-level qualification in Construction or Civil Engineering
Desirable:
Civil Engineering experience
Experience with ConQuest estimating software
Working towards professional body membership (RICS, ICE, CIOB)
Key Skills
Accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Resilience under tight deadlines
Strong client relationship management
Experience in commercial groundworks, civil engineering, and highways infrastructure tenders
Excellent communication skills at all levels
IT literate (Microsoft Word, Excel; ConQuest desirable)
Benefits
Competitive salary and holiday entitlement, increasing with service
Additional holiday on birthday and flexibility to extend annual leave
Health and medical insurance
Support for professional development and ongoing training
Death in service cover
Company car or allowance
Free on-site parking
Employee referral scheme
Company events and recognition programs