Civils Estimator

Utilise Recruitment; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Utilise Recruitment Ltd. is seeking a Civils Estimator for a Milton Keynes-based role within a well-established civil engineering contractor.

You will produce detailed cost estimates for civil/infra projects, develop pricing submissions, and assess labour, materials, plant, and subcontractor costs to support robust commercial controls. The role requires experience in highways or infrastructure projects, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with NEC contracts.

Qualifications

• Experience in estimator, commercial estimator or QS role in civil/infra projects.
• Strong cost planning, estimating and commercial management knowledge.
• Experience with NEC contracts, especially target cost or collaborative arrangements.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficient with Excel and commercial management software.
• Ability to translate technical info into robust cost estimates.

Responsibilities

• Produce comprehensive cost estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure works.
• Develop pricing submissions using schedules, rates, and project cost data.
• Evaluate labour, materials, plant, subcontractor and overhead costs for accuracy.
• Assist with pricing of project variations and scope changes.
• Support monthly valuation processes and ensure accurate recording and valuation of works.
• Track expenditure against budgets and forecasts, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Review subcontractor quotations and accounts for value-for-money and budget compliance.
• Collaborate with operational teams to understand project requirements and cost certainty.
• Contribute to commercial reporting, cost analysis and financial reviews.
• Maintain records within cost management and commercial systems.

Skills

Cost estimation

NEC contracts knowledge

Civil engineering cost planning

Excel proficiency

Commercial management

Stakeholder communication

Education

QS/Civil Eng degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Civils Estimator

Location: Milton Keynes

Salary: Up to £60,000 + Benefits Permanent | Full-Time

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established infrastructure and civil engineering contractor for an experienced Civils Estimator to join their commercial team in Milton Keynes.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded estimator with experience in highways, maintenance, utilities or civil engineering projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing accurate project cost plans, supporting contract profitability, and ensuring robust commercial controls are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

The Role Working closely with commercial and operational teams, you will be responsible for producing detailed cost estimates, assessing project risks, and supporting the financial management of ongoing works. The position requires strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of civil engineering costs, and experience working within collaborative contract environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce comprehensive cost estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure works.
• Develop pricing submissions using agreed schedules, rates and project-specific cost information.
• Evaluate labour, materials, plant, subcontractor and overhead costs to ensure accurate project forecasting.
• Assist with the commercial assessment and pricing of project variations and scope changes.
• Support monthly valuation processes and ensure completed works are accurately recorded and valued.
• Track project expenditure against budgets and forecasts, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Review subcontractor quotations and accounts to ensure value for money and budget compliance.
• Work closely with operational teams to understand project requirements and improve cost certainty.
• Contribute to commercial reporting, cost analysis and financial performance reviews.
• Maintain accurate records within relevant cost management and commercial systems.
• Provide guidance and support to less experienced members of the commercial team when required.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in an Estimator, Commercial Estimator or Quantity Surveying role within civil engineering, highways or infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of cost planning, estimating and commercial management principles.
• Experience working under NEC contracts, particularly target cost or collaborative contract arrangements.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence using commercial management software.
• Ability to interpret technical information and translate this into robust cost estimates.
• Effective communication skills and experience working with both operational and commercial stakeholders.
• HNC, HND or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

What's on Offer

• Salary up to £60,000
• Permanent full-time position
• Career development opportunities within a growing organisation
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of civil engineering and infrastructure projects