Civils Estimator

Calibre Search; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Calibre Search is partnering with a specialist contractor in Derbyshire to recruit an Enabling Works Estimator. The role focuses on securing tenders for enabling works, demolition, earthworks and land remediation across complex regeneration projects.

You will review drawings and tender documentation, build detailed cost plans for labour, plant, materials and subcontractors, and manage commercial risks. NEC/JCT familiarity and a proactive approach to value engineering are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Experience as Estimator in enabling works, demolition, earthworks or related civil engineering.
• Ability to prepare detailed, competitive tenders.
• Experience interpreting drawings, specifications and bills of quantities.
• Ability to obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Knowledge of NEC and/or JCT contracts.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive in identifying risks and cost improvements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare competitive tenders for enabling works, demolition and earthworks.
• Review drawings, specs, and tender docs to set scope and costs.
• Build detailed estimates covering labour, plant, materials, subs, waste, haulage.
• Obtain quotations from suppliers/subcontractors and negotiate costs.
• Identify risks and opportunities for value engineering.
• Attend site visits to assess conditions affecting costs.
• Prepare tender submissions and clarifications per client deadlines.
• Hand over successful tenders with budgets and risks clearly understood.
• Attend pre-contract and operational meetings to support profitability.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Costing

Subcontractor quotations

NEC/JCT contracts

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Job description

ENABLING WORKS ESTIMATOR

Derbyshire

£50,000 - £70,000

A specialist contractor delivering complex regeneration, remediation and enabling works projects across the construction sector are looking to add an experienced Estimator to the team

This is an opportunity to play a key role in securing major projects, influencing commercial decisions and helping transform brownfield sites into development-ready land. From demolition and bulk earthworks to contaminated land remediation and civil engineering, you'll be involved in a varied project portfolio where your estimating expertise will make a real difference.

Working closely with the Pre-Construction Manager and operational teams, you'll take ownership of tenders from initial enquiry through to submission, helping deliver competitive bids while protecting project margins and commercial performance.

THE ROLE

• Prepare competitive, accurate tenders for enabling works, demolition, earthworks, land remediation and associated civil engineering projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, site investigation reports and tender documentation to establish project scope, quantities and costs.
• Build detailed estimates covering labour, plant, materials, subcontractors, waste disposal, haulage and specialist treatment processes.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain quotations, negotiate costs and secure competitive pricing.
• Identify commercial risks, project constraints and opportunities for value engineering and alternative construction methodologies.
• Attend site visits to assess ground conditions, access, logistics and other factors affecting project costs.
• Prepare tender submissions, clarifications and qualifications in line with client requirements and deadlines.
• Review estimates and tender documentation to ensure accuracy and commercial competitiveness.
• Work alongside project delivery teams to hand over successful tenders, ensuring budgets, assumptions and risks are clearly understood.
• Attend pre-contract and operational meetings to support successful project delivery and profitability.

Your Experience

• Experience as an Estimator within enabling works, demolition, earthworks, land remediation, civil engineering or a related construction environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to prepare detailed, accurate and competitive tenders.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, specifications and bills of quantities, with the ability to undertake quantity take-offs and build cost plans.
• Confidence obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Knowledge of construction methodologies, plant, materials and associated costs.
• Familiarity with NEC and/or JCT contracts and formal tendering procedures.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks, improving costs and supporting profitable project delivery.

Experience in contaminated land, soil and groundwater treatment, waste management or brownfield regeneration would be particularly advantageous.

Relevant qualifications are beneficial, but practical estimating experience and commercial ability are what really count.