Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator - Civils / Infrastructure

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (Hybrid - minimum 3 days office/client site)

Permanent

Full Time

£70,000 - £90,000 DOE + Car Allowance + Pension + Increasing Annual Leave

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established civils contractor with a strong and growing presence in rail, drainage and utilities. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join their team based in Welwyn Garden City.

This is a hands-on, senior-level role for someone who thrives on leading bids, shaping tender strategy and working collaboratively across commercial, engineering and planning functions. The company welcomes candidates from a broad range of backgrounds - including those who have progressed from site-based roles into estimating - and while rail experience is an advantage, strong civils or infrastructure experience is equally valued.

The Role

As Senior Estimator, you will take the lead on producing detailed, accurate and competitive estimates for civils and drainage works, typically on projects valued up to £5m. You will work closely with Bid Managers, Engineers, Planners and the Commercial team to define methodology and pricing approach, and will play a central role in securing new work in line with the company's growth objectives.

The role carries responsibility for mentoring junior estimators, maintaining robust estimating systems and presenting adjudication packs to senior stakeholders. Following contract award, you will prepare handover documentation for operational teams and provide ongoing support through the mobilisation phase.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Estimates

• Undertake and lead estimates in accordance with company procedures and tender requirements
• Mentor and develop junior estimators, particularly on larger, more complex tenders
• Liaise with Bid Managers, Engineers, Planners and the Commercial team to agree methodology and pricing principles
• Identify risks and opportunities throughout the tender process
• Maintain a register of key assumptions and keep the tender estimate file accurate and up to date
• Provide indicative pricing support for business development activity
• Obtain feedback from site teams on estimating accuracy and current cost levels

Adjudication

• Prepare estimating adjudication packs and present the basis of estimate and key assumptions to senior stakeholders
• Maintain notes of adjudication meetings and close out actions arising
• Monitor customer negotiations and seek amended authority as required

Handover & Post-Award Support

• Prepare handover packs for operational and commercial teams following contract award
• Maintain notes of handover meetings
• Provide ongoing support to site teams relating to the estimate and its key assumptions

What We're Looking For

• A strong background in civils, drainage, utilities or infrastructure - rail experience is welcome but not essential
• Proven experience preparing estimates on projects up to approximately £5m in value
• Numerate and IT literate, with good working knowledge of estimating software and Microsoft Excel
• Confident presenting to senior stakeholders and engaging with clients and internal teams at a senior level
• Strong commercial acumen and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to travel for client meetings and site visits as required
• Chartered, incorporated or equivalent professional status would be advantageous
• Candidates who have progressed from hands-on site roles into estimating are very welcome to apply

Salary & Benefits

• £70,000 - £90,000 depending on experience
• Car allowance
• 23 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
• Company pension
• Hybrid working - minimum 3 days per week in the office or on client site

Why Apply?

• Join a supportive, expanding contractor with a strong and growing project pipeline
• Real influence over bid strategy and tender decision-making at a senior level
• Opportunity to lead on major tender submissions and mentor the next generation of estimators
• A stable, long-term role with clear potential for progression

If you have the experience and ambition to make a real impact in a growing business, we'd be keen to hear from you.