Civil & Rail Estimator — Hybrid Role

CML; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension

Holiday allowance

Sick pay

Training opportunities

Volunteer days

Annual flu jabs

Employee assistance programme

Mental Health support

Death in service

Referral bonus

Job summary

CML are seeking an experienced Estimator to join our Commercial Team in Leeds. You will provide feasibility advice on tenders and prepare cost estimates and SoR schedules for bids across civil, rail, and infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities include quantity take-offs, reviewing drawings, and collaborating with engineering, planning and commercial teams to ensure buildable, competitive submissions. Hybrid working is available after probation.

Qualifications

• HNC / HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or related discipline
• Equivalent practical estimating experience
• Strong numerical and analytical capability

Responsibilities

• Preparation of detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for Civil Engineering, Rail, Infrastructure, Marine, and multidisciplinary construction projects.
• Development of estimates using first principles and bottom-up estimating methodologies including labour, plant, material, subcontract, logistics, and productivity outputs.
• Preparation and derivation of Schedule of Rates (SoR) based upon resource build-ups, productivity analysis, and construction methodologies.
• Undertake detailed quantity take-offs from drawings, specifications, and technical documentation using manual and digital measurement techniques.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, contracts, bills of quantities, schedules, and scope documentation.
• Assist in the development of construction methodologies, sequencing, possession strategies, access arrangements, and temporary works considerations.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from subcontractors, suppliers, and specialist providers to support competitive tender submissions.
• Identify commercial, technical, operational, and programme-related risks and contribute towards tender risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare tender adjudication documents, clarifications, assumptions, qualifications, and supporting commercial information.
• Collaborate with operational, engineering, planning, and commercial teams to ensure estimates are practical, buildable, and aligned with project delivery requirements.
• Assist in the maintenance and development of estimating databases, benchmark rates, historical cost data, and pricing libraries.
• Support value engineering exercises and alternative construction proposals to improve project efficiency and competitiveness.
• Develop a working understanding of NEC contracts, framework requirements, and client-specific commercial arrangements.
• Participate in tender review meetings, handover meetings, and post-tender negotiations where required.
• Ensure compliance with company Integrated Management Systems, quality procedures, and relevant industry standards.
• Maintain a proactive approach towards continuous professional development and technical improvement within the estimating function.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

First principles estimating

Bottom-up estimating

Excel

Estimating software

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

HNC / HND / Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or related discipline

Job description

CML are seeking an experienced Estimator to join our Commercial Team in Leeds. You will provide feasibility advice on tenders and prepare cost estimates and SoR schedules for bids across civil, rail, and infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities include quantity take-offs, reviewing drawings, and collaborating with engineering, planning and commercial teams to ensure buildable, competitive submissions. Hybrid working is available after probation.