EHV Estimator - Cables

NES Fircroft; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering staffing provider in the UK is seeking an experienced EHV Civils Estimator to join their team in 2026. The successful candidate will produce detailed cost estimates for Extra High Voltage underground cable routes and work closely with engineering and commercial teams. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of experience, a strong understanding of estimating from first principles, and knowledge of relevant regulations. This role offers an excellent opportunity for career growth within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Market-leading benefits packages

Support with visas and work permits

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience estimating civils works for EHV/HV cable route projects.
• Proven ability to estimate from first principles using real-world productivity.
• Excellent knowledge of streetwork regulations and local authority permit schemes.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed first principles cost estimates for EHV underground cable routes.
• Develop first-principles cost estimates for civil elements of cable routes.
• Incorporate local regulations and traffic management plans into pricing.

Skills

Estimating from first principles

Knowledge of NRSWA

Strong skills in MS Excel

Interpreting utility route layouts

Job description

NESFircroft are proud to be representing a large-scale infrastructure, energy and communications client based in the UK. Actively searching for a EHV Civils Estimator to join in 2026 due to expansion and successful project wins. This offers the perfect opportunity for someone to step into a growing business with a dynamic client base.

SCOPE OF ROLE

As an EHV Civils Estimator, you’ll be responsible for producing detailed first principles cost estimates for Extra High Voltage (EHV) underground cable routes (typically 132kV–400kV). Your estimates will be built from scratch, utilising your in-depth understanding of trenching, ducting, joint bays, street works, and permitting, to ensure every submission is compliant, accurate, and commercially viable. You’ll work closely with engineering, construction, commercial, and procurement teams, contributing to bid strategies that win projects and support successful delivery.

HOW YOU’LL SUCCEED

Estimating & Cost Development

• Develop first-principles cost estimates for civil elements of EHV cable routes.
• Build up rates for trenching, joint bays, HDD/trenchless crossings, duct installation, backfill, and reinstatement.
• Factor in labour, plant, materials, and prelims based on real productivity norms.
• Tailor cost models to reflect route-specific constraints, phasing, and methodology.

Compliance & Technical Understanding

• Incorporate NRSWA legislation, permit schemes, lane rental costs, and traffic management plans.
• Price for night/weekend working, embargo periods, and restricted access scenarios.
• Ensure reinstatement types and guarantee periods are fully costed and compliant.
• Review civil drawings, utility records, and GI data to inform your cost assumptions.
• Understand cable system requirements, e.g. thermal backfill, spacing, and installation tolerances.
• Identify and account for SEDs, congested zones, or third-party interfaces.

Commercial Awareness and Tender Support

• Clearly document key cost drivers, risks, assumptions, and exclusions.
• Prepare risk-adjusted pricing, contingency allowances, and transparent audit trails.
• Support internal bid reviews and handovers to delivery.
• Create pricing schedules, BoQs, and breakdowns.
• Assess subcontractor/supplier quotations.
• Respond to tender clarifications and support post-submission queries.

Essential Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience estimating civils works for EHV/HV cable route projects.
• Proven ability to estimate from first principles using real-world productivity.
• Excellent knowledge of NRSWA, local authority permit schemes, and streetworks regulations.
• Strong skills in MS Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook.
• Experience interpreting utility route layouts, GI data, and technical specs.

Desirable Requirements

• Estimating experience with voltages up to 400kV.
• Knowledge of trenchless methods (HDD, thrust bore, microtunnelling).
• Familiarity with NEC or framework contract pricing.
• Street Works Supervisor qualification.
• Experience with DNOs, ICPs, or EPC contractors.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.