Estimator

Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Profit-related bonus

35 days annual leave

Hybrid working 1 day/wk

Job summary

Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd are representing a well-established civil engineering and highways contractor seeking an experienced Highway Estimator in Greater Manchester. The role focuses on preparing estimates for highways and civil schemes, negotiating framework tenders, and leading bid submissions within a varied project portfolio.

You will engage with clients during ECI, develop cost-effective solutions, and contribute to commercial strategy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years' experience in highway estimating or senior QS role.
• Experience in highways or civil engineering.
• Knowledge of estimating software such as Candy, Causeway or similar.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit estimates for highway and civil engineering schemes using schedules of rates and first-principles estimating.
• Negotiate with clients on existing direct-award frameworks, including site meetings, measurements and agreeing methods of working.
• Engage with clients during Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) to develop future schemes and cost-effective solutions.
• Produce project programmes using MS Project and prepare construction method statements.
• Lead bid submissions for PQQs and framework opportunities.
• Prepare social value matrices to support commercial bids and tender submissions.
• Work alongside the Procurement Manager to develop and maintain key supply chain relationships.
• Prepare estimating handover documentation for site teams, including cost build-ups, assumptions and targets.
• Assist the Commercial team with compensation event pricing and build-ups.
• Work collaboratively with the Commercial team to support the company's wider business and marketing strategy.

Skills

Highway estimating

Tendering

NEC/JCT contracts

MS Project

Communication

Team leadership

Driving licence

Tools

Candy/Causeway

Job description

Our client is a well-established civil engineering and highways contractor with over 75 years’ experience delivering projects across the North West. With long-term local authority frameworks, a forward order book exceeding four years and a strong reputation for quality, they offer excellent long-term stability and continued growth.

They are looking for an experienced Highway Estimator to join their commercial team, preparing estimates for highways and civil engineering schemes, negotiating with clients and leading framework and tender submissions. Based in Greater Manchester, the role offers involvement in a varied project portfolio and the opportunity to influence commercial strategy and future business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit estimates for highway and civil engineering schemes using schedules of rates and first-principles estimating.
• Negotiate with clients on existing direct-award frameworks, including site meetings, measurements and agreeing methods of working.
• Engage with clients during Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) to develop future schemes and cost-effective solutions.
• Produce project programmes using MS Project and prepare construction method statements.
• Lead bid submissions for PQQs and framework opportunities.
• Prepare social value matrices to support commercial bids and tender submissions.
• Work alongside the Procurement Manager to develop and maintain key supply chain relationships.
• Prepare estimating handover documentation for site teams, including cost build-ups, assumptions and targets.
• Assist the Commercial team with compensation event pricing and build-ups.
• Work collaboratively with the Commercial team to support the company's wider business and marketing strategy.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years' experience in highway estimating or a Senior Quantity Surveying role.
• Experience within the highways or civil engineering industry.
• Knowledge of estimating software such as Candy, Causeway or similar packages.
• Working knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts and SMM7.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience producing method statements and working to strict deadlines.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and MS Project.
• Ability to lead, develop and work collaboratively with a team.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.

What's on Offer?

• £5,500 car allowance plus mileage.
• Profit-related bonus.
• 35 days' annual leave, including bank holidays.
• One day per week hybrid working, if required.
• Long-term job security through established frameworks and a substantial forward order book.
• The opportunity to join a respected regional contractor with a strong reputation across the North West.
• A varied role with genuine influence over estimating, commercial strategy and business development