Estimator

Calco Services Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A reputable civil engineering contractor in East London is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare competitive cost estimates and tender submissions for data centre and structural projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in civil engineering environments and have excellent skills in measurement and cost modelling. This role provides an opportunity to work closely with project teams and contribute to high-quality projects.

Qualifications

• Strong experience as an Estimator within civil engineering and major contractor environments.
• Excellent ability in measurement, take-off and cost modelling using Excel or estimating software.
• High level of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for concrete frames and civil engineering packages.
• Analyse tender documents and specifications for projects.
• Deliver accurate take-offs and cost breakdowns.

Skills

Estimator experience

Excel proficiency

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Estimator – Data Centre & Civil/Structural Projects

Location: East London

Employment Type: Client would prefer a contractor

Day Rate: This is dependent on experience as my client will look at different levels of experience. Our guide is £400 a day Circa with 5 year’s experience.

Company Overview

Our client is a well-established civil engineering and construction contractor operating across London, the UK and mainland Europe. The business delivers complex projects in the data centre, commercial, residential, infrastructure and industrial sectors, with expertise in:

• Groundworks & Civil Engineering
• Reinforced Concrete Frames (sub- and super-structure)
• Structural Works
• Hard Landscaping & External Works
• Enabling and Package Contractor Services

The company has grown steadily over the past decade and now operates with a turnover of £100m–£150m, supported by a workforce of 200–300 employees spanning project delivery, commercial, engineering and technical disciplines.

Their data‑centre portfolio includes large-scale, high‑specification facilities involving deep groundworks, drainage infrastructure, reinforced concrete structures, heavy civils, complex logistics, and high‑tolerance construction requirements. They are experiencing sustained demand in this sector and are expanding their pre‑construction and commercial teams accordingly.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator to join a growing contractor with a strong order book, long‑term client relationships, and a reputation for delivering high‑quality, technically demanding projects.

Role Summary

• You will play a key role in preparing competitive and accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for data centre, civils, concrete and structural projects. The role involves detailed take‑off, cost planning, supply chain engagement, risk analysis and supporting the full tender lifecycle from enquiry through submission.
• You will work closely with senior management, project teams, engineers and commercial staff to help secure new work and ensure pricing reflects realistic methodologies and construction approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed first‑principles cost estimates for groundworks, concrete frames, civils, infrastructure and structural packages.
• Analyse tender documents, drawings, specifications and employer requirements for large‑scale data‑centre and civil engineering schemes.
• Deliver accurate take‑offs, bills of quantities (BOQ) and cost breakdowns.
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain and validate quotations.
• Prepare tender submissions, clarifications, value‑engineering options and commercial proposals.
• Assess risk, build in contingencies and contribute to tender risk registers.
• Review design changes, variations or alternative solutions and revise estimates accordingly.
• Maintain and update cost databases, benchmarking information and historical project data.
• Support pre‑construction meetings, bid strategy sessions and post‑tender negotiations.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure bids reflect practical construction methodologies and programme constraints.

Required Experience & Skills

• Strong experience as an Estimator within civil engineering, groundworks, reinforced concrete, structural or major contractor environments.
• Familiarity with data‑centre, infrastructure or high‑specification industrial projects (preferred but not essential).
• Solid understanding of groundworks, enabling works, drainage, concrete structures and civils methodology.
• Excellent ability in measurement, take‑off and cost modelling using Excel or estimating software.
• Strong commercial awareness and risk assessment capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and work to deadlines.
• Confident communicator with experience engaging subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams.
• High level of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail.

Desirable Experience

• Worked on large‑scale data‑centre, energy, pharmaceutical, critical infrastructure or high‑security projects.
• Understanding of UK building regulations, civil engineering standards and structural specifications.
• Experience supporting bids across multiple European locations (if applicable).