Civil Estimator

TURNER & LOVELL LIMITED; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 78,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner Lovell Limited is seeking a freelance Civil Estimator to support its pre-construction team on major infrastructure projects. You will prepare estimates, take-offs and BOQs for civil, structural and building works, aligned with CESMM4, and review tender docs to define scope and identify risks.

The role requires solid estimating background, strong Excel skills and experience with estimating software, with hybrid Manchester-office work (2–3 days).

Qualifications

• 10+ years in construction, including 5+ years in estimating.
• B
• Thorough knowledge of CESMM4, take-offs and bills of quantities.
• Experience reviewing drawings and tender documents, identifying gaps and raising TQs.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating software.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction methodology.
• Relevant Civil Engineering / Construction qualification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, take-offs and bills of quantities for civil engineering, structural and building packages in accordance with CESMM4.
• Review tender documentation, drawings and technical specifications to establish the scope of works and identify gaps, risks and discrepancies.
• Produce cost plans and estimates to support tender submissions, business development and budget requirements.
• Identify and document assumptions, exclusions, qualifications and commercial risks throughout the estimating process.
• Raise and manage Technical Queries (TQs) to clarify scope, design requirements and outstanding information.
• Apply civil engineering and construction knowledge to interpret project requirements, assess construction methodologies and establish realistic costs.
• Maintain clear estimating records and registers of assumptions, risks and opportunities.
• Prepare estimating handover packs, communicating key assumptions, exclusions and cost considerations to the project delivery team.
• Provide ongoing estimating support and clarification throughout the tender and handover process.

Skills

Construction experience

Estimating experience

CESMM4 knowledge

Take-offs & BOQ

Reviewing drawings & tenders

Excel

Estimating software

Education

Relevant Civil Engineering / Construction qualification

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Civil Estimator - Civil Engineering & Major Infrastructure

• Contract: ASAP, 9 months - with likely extension


• Location: HYBRID. Manchester (2-3 days per week in the office)


• Rate: £500 per day, outside IR35


• Working hours: 8-hour day / 40-hour week

Turner Lovell is supporting a leading energy infrastructure business in the search for an experienced Freelance Estimator with a strong civil engineering background to support its pre-construction team on major infrastructure projects.

Working closely with the Pre-Construction Manager, you will be responsible for preparing estimates for civil engineering, structural and building works, supporting the development of competitive and commercially robust tender submissions.

The role requires someone who can confidently review tender documentation and drawings, identify gaps, assess construction requirements and produce accurate take-offs, bills of quantities and cost plans. Previous experience within the energy sector would be advantageous, but candidates with a strong civil engineering estimating background across other major infrastructure sectors will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, take-offs and bills of quantities for civil engineering, structural and building packages in accordance with CESMM4.


• Review tender documentation, drawings and technical specifications to establish the scope of works and identify gaps, risks and discrepancies.


• Produce cost plans and estimates to support tender submissions, business development and budget requirements.


• Identify and document assumptions, exclusions, qualifications and commercial risks throughout the estimating process.


• Raise and manage Technical Queries (TQs) to clarify scope, design requirements and outstanding information.


• Apply civil engineering and construction knowledge to interpret project requirements, assess construction methodologies and establish realistic costs.


• Maintain clear estimating records and registers of assumptions, risks and opportunities.


• Prepare estimating handover packs, communicating key assumptions, exclusions and cost considerations to the project delivery team.


• Provide ongoing estimating support and clarification throughout the tender and handover process.

Ideal Background & Skills

• 10+ years in construction, including 5+ years in estimating.


• Thorough knowledge of CESMM4, take-offs and bills of quantities.


• Experience reviewing drawings and tender documents, identifying gaps and raising TQs.


• Proficient in Excel and estimating software.


• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction methodology.


• Relevant Civil Engineering / Construction qualification or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Energy, utilities or major infrastructure experience.


• Knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015.


• ICE, CIOB or RICS membership.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced civil engineering estimator to join an established pre-construction team, supporting major infrastructure tenders.