Senior Estimator

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our growing pre-construction team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates for civil engineering and groundworks projects, managing the tender process from enquiry through to submission, and supporting the business in securing profitable work.

Working closely with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal delivery teams, you will identify risks and opportunities while producing commercially sound tenders that align with company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the preparation of estimates for civil engineering and groundworks projects.
- Review tender documentation including drawings, specifications, BOQs and contract information.
- Prepare detailed first-principles estimates where required.
- Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
- Build accurate labour, plant and material cost models.
- Identify project risks and opportunities during the tender stage.
- Develop value engineering solutions to improve competitiveness.
- Liaise with planners to develop construction methodologies and programmes.
- Attend pre-tender meetings, site visits and client interviews.
- Prepare tender adjudication documentation for senior management.
- Produce tender submissions within agreed deadlines.
- Assist with post-tender negotiations and clarifications.
- Maintain estimating databases, cost libraries and historical pricing information.
- Support junior estimators and contribute to continuous improvement within the estimating function.
- Work collaboratively with commercial, operational and design teams throughout the pre-construction process.

Project Types

Typical projects may include:

- Groundworks
- Roads and highways
- Section 278 & 38 works
- Earthworks
- Drainage
- Reinforced concrete structures
- Foundations
- Utilities
- Industrial developments
- Commercial developments
- Residential infrastructure
- Education and healthcare schemes
- Public realm works
- Project values typically range from £500k to £50m+.

Essential Skills & Experience

- Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within civil engineering and/or groundworks.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies.
- Experience producing first-principles estimates.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- Excellent commercial awareness.
- Strong knowledge of labour outputs, plant utilisation and material pricing.
- Experience managing multiple tenders simultaneously.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Technical Knowledge

- Experience pricing works including:
- Bulk earthworks
- Foundations
- Piling interfaces
- Reinforced concrete
- Drainage
- Roads and pavements
- Kerbing
- External works
- Utilities
- Retaining structures
- Hard landscaping
- Software Experience
- Experience with one or more of the following:
- Causeway Estimating
- Candy
- ConQuest
- CostX
- Bluebeam
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
- Microsoft Project (desirable)

Qualifications

Essential:
- HNC/HND or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or Construction Management (or equivalent experience).
- Full UK Driving Licence.

If you are interested in this role, please apply and send in your up to date CV and Coyles Walsall will be in touch