Senior Estimator - Civils / Infrastructure
Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (Hybrid: minimum 3 days office/client site)
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 DOE + Car Allowance + Pension + Increasing Annual Leave
Recruiter: Specialist Recruitment Agency (representing an anonymous client)
Are you an experienced Estimator with a background in civil engineering or infrastructure works? Are you looking to join a growing contractor where you can influence bid strategy, lead tender activity, and play a key role in securing new projects?
We are recruiting on behalf of a well established civils contractor with a strong presence in rail, drainage and utilities. Due to growth, they are seeking a Senior Estimator to join their Welwyn Garden City office. The company is open to a wide range of backgrounds - including Estimators who have worked their way up from the tools and have a grounded understanding of construction processes. Rail experience is helpful but not essential; strong civils experience is equally valued.
The Role
You will lead and develop detailed estimates for civils and drainage works across projects typically valued up to £5m. Working closely with bid, engineering, commercial and planning teams, you'll ensure tenders are accurate, competitive and aligned with strategic objectives. This is a hands on role suited to someone who enjoys collaboration, problem solving and shaping tender strategy from early engagement through to handover.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce detailed estimates in line with company processes and tender requirements.
- Lead and mentor junior estimators, especially on larger bids.
- Work with Bid Managers, Engineers, Planners and Commercial teams to define methodology and pricing approach.
- Identify tender risks, opportunities and key assumptions.
- Prepare adjudication packs and present estimates to senior stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate estimating files and assumption registers.
- Provide indicative pricing to support business development.
- Attend site visits as required and ensure tender submissions are robust, compliant and commercially sound.
- Prepare handover packs for operational teams following contract award.
What We're Looking For
- Strong civils, drainage, utilities or infrastructure experience (rail experience welcome but not essential).
- Proven experience preparing estimates up to approx. £5m.
- Good understanding of estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
- Confident presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial thinking and attention to detail.
- Candidates who have progressed from hands on site roles into estimating are very welcome.
- Ability to travel for client meetings and site visits.
Salary & Benefits
- £70,000 - £90,000 depending on experience
- Car allowance
- 23 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
- Company pension
- Office based role with at least 3 days per week on site or in the office
Why Apply?
- Work with a supportive, expanding contractor with a strong project pipeline.
- Real influence over bid strategy and tender decision making.
- Opportunity to mentor others and lead on major tender submissions.
- Stable, long term role with progression potential.