Civils Estimator

Hill McGlynn Recruitment; Yalding; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill McGlynn Recruitment is seeking an experienced Estimator for civil engineering projects in Kent. You will manage pre-construction pricing, tendering, and commercial aspects across a mixed portfolio of civil works.

The role requires robust capability in cost estimation, tender preparation, and stakeholder coordination with senior management, operations, and suppliers. A competitive package accompanies a starting salary of £85,000 plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience within civil engineering and groundworks.
• Experience pricing projects from tender stage through submission.
• Strong cost awareness for labour, plant, materials and subcontractors.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Review tender docs, drawings, and specs.
• Prepare detailed estimates for labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages.
• Produce competitive tender submissions.
• Undertake take-offs and prepare bills of quantities.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers/subcontractors.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities in tender docs.
• Attend site visits and pre-tender meetings as required.
• Work with operational/commercial teams for accurate pricing.
• Support tender negotiations and handovers after awards.
• Maintain relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.

Skills

Estimating experience

Tendering

Costing

Communication

Negotiation

Job description

Estimator – Civil Engineering

Location: Kent

Salary: Starting from £85,000 + Package

Employment Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

We are working with an established and growing civil engineering contractor based in Kent who is looking to appoint an experienced Estimator to strengthen its pre-construction and commercial capability.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator with a strong background in civil engineering to join a well-established contractor with a healthy pipeline of work across Kent, London and the wider South East.

The business is looking for someone who understands the realities of pricing civil engineering projects and can confidently take ownership of tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission.

The Role

Working closely with the senior management, commercial and operational teams, you will be responsible for preparing competitive and commercially robust tenders across a range of civil engineering projects.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Reviewing tender documentation, drawings and specifications
• Preparing detailed cost estimates for labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages
• Producing competitive tender submissions
• Undertaking take-offs and preparing bills of quantities
• Obtaining and evaluating quotations from suppliers and subcontractors
• Identifying commercial risks and opportunities within tender documentation
• Attending site visits and pre-tender meetings where required
• Working closely with operational and commercial teams to ensure accurate project pricing
• Supporting tender negotiations and handovers following successful awards
• Maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors

About You

We are looking for an experienced Estimator who has previously worked within the civil engineering or groundworks sector.

You Will Ideally Have

• Proven estimating experience within civil engineering
• A strong understanding of groundworks and infrastructure packages
• Experience pricing projects from tender stage through to submission
• Good knowledge of labour, plant, material and subcontractor costs
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail
• The ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and tender documentation
• Good communication and negotiation skills
• Experience working for a civil engineering contractor or subcontractor
• Knowledge of the construction market across Kent and the South East would be advantageous

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to join a stable, established contractor where you will have genuine involvement in securing new projects and supporting the continued growth of the business.

The position offers a salary starting from £85,000 + package, with the overall offering dependent on experience.