Estimator

The Opportunity

A leading UK civil engineering and infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced Senior / Lead Estimator to join its growing commercial team based in Warrington.

This is a key appointment within the business, offering the opportunity to lead the estimating function across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering, infrastructure, highways, utilities, earthworks, and major construction projects. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in securing future workstreams and shaping the commercial success of the business.

The role would suit an experienced Estimator ready to step into a leadership position, or an established Lead Estimator looking to join a business with a strong project pipeline and long-term growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tender estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
Produce detailed cost plans and tender submissions using first principles pricing methodologies .
Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings, and contract requirements to identify risks, opportunities, and key commercial considerations.
Develop comprehensive pricing strategies based on labour, plant, materials, subcontractor packages, and project-specific delivery requirements.
Carry out site visits and assessments to identify project complexities, logistics requirements, and construction constraints.
Engage proactively with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive quotations and negotiate commercial terms.
Prepare and present tender adjudications to senior management.
Support bid submissions and client presentations where required.
Work closely with operational, commercial, and project delivery teams to ensure robust handovers following contract award.
Monitor market conditions, material costs, inflationary trends, and supply chain developments.
Mentor and support junior estimators where appropriate.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating function.

Essential Requirements

Proven experience operating as a Senior Estimator or Lead Estimator within civil engineering, infrastructure, utilities, highways, energy, or construction sectors.
Strong experience producing estimates using first principles pricing .
Demonstrable ability to build estimates from the ground up, including labour, plant, materials, productivity outputs, and subcontract packages.
Strong understanding of construction methodologies and associated cost drivers.
Experience managing multiple tenders simultaneously within a fast-paced environment.
Commercially astute with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and estimating software packages.

Desirable Experience

HNC/HND or Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
Experience working under NEC and JCT forms of contract.
Knowledge of CESMM and other recognised methods of measurement.
Experience leading tender reviews and adjudication processes.
Previous management or mentoring experience within an estimating team.

What's on Offer

Salary circa 100,000 (dependent on experience).
Attractive benefits package.
Long-term career progression opportunities.
Opportunity to work on high-profile infrastructure and civil engineering projects.
Stable and growing business with a strong reputation within the sector.
Collaborative and supportive working environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded estimator who enjoys developing robust first-principles estimates and wants to play a key role in the continued growth of a highly successful civil engineering contractor.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.