Estimator

Calco Services Limited; Dunstable; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly growing contractor is looking for an experienced Estimator in Dunstable with a strong background in groundworks and infrastructure. The role involves preparing accurate tenders for sizeable projects while working closely with a team. This position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working opportunities, allowing for a mix of on-site and remote work.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunity for progression

Exposure to large scale projects

Stable and well-invested business

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ estimating experience ideally in groundworks, civil engineering, or related sectors.
• Proven track record of estimating sizeable tenders in the £10-20 million+ range.
• Able to interpret drawings, site data, and ground conditions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fully costed, accurate tenders for groundworks projects.
• Support a large team of surveyors producing tenders.
• Monitor market rates and ensure tenders are competitive yet profitable.

Skills

Estimating experience

Technical knowledge of groundworks

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Commercial acumen

Tools

Cost estimation software

Measurement tools

Job description

Overview

Estimator (Groundworks)

Salary: £70 – 100k + package + bonus

Based: Bedfordshire (LU5) - Hybrid

An experienced Groundworks Estimator is required for a rapidly growing Contractor:

About the Company

A fast-growing, medium-sized groundworks and construction specialist, founded in 2017, operating from Dunstable and covering a 100-mile radius. With a recent turnover of £31.6 million, the business undertakes both residential and commercial infrastructure, specialising in cut & fill, foundations, drainage and general groundworks.

The company has invested heavily in plant, machinery and a strong supply chain, and has secured £40 million worth of new work recently. They run a high volume tendering operation, pushing out 4-5 tenders per month in the £15-20 million range.

Role

Estimator

Location & Working Pattern

Location: Office in Dunstable (on site/office hybrid)

Working Pattern: In office at least 3 days per week

Reporting to: Commercial Manager / Head of Estimating

Responsibilities

• Prepare fully costed, accurate tenders for groundworks / infrastructure projects, including residential and commercial work, in the £15-£20 million band.
• Work alongside / support a large team of surveyors producing tenders; contribute to tender strategy, risk assessment, procurement of subcontractors and materials.
• Analyse drawings, specifications, site data, and liaise with design, engineering, and operations teams to ensure estimation reflects site constraints, buildability, risks.
• Prepare cost breakdowns, bills of quantities, pricing schedules, material take-offs, labour rates, plant usage, overheads, and profit margins.
• Review / refine estimating processes; implement improvements and standard templates / tools.
• Monitor market rates, supply chain costs, material inflation, subcontractor pricing; ensure tenders are competitive yet profitable.
• Assist post-tender evaluations; learn lessons for estimating accuracy.
• Opportunity to build and lead your own estimating team in the future.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ estimating experience ideally in groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure or related construction sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully estimating sizeable tenders (ideally in the £10-20 million+ range).
• Strong technical knowledge: foundations, drainage, infrastructure, cut & fill etc.
• Able to interpret drawings, site data, ground conditions, topography, etc.
• Familiar with cost estimation software / tools, measurement / take-off tools, procurement of subcontracts and materials.
• Strong commercial acumen, numeracy, attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills—able to liaise with surveyors, engineers, suppliers, clients.
• Self-motivated, able to work in a team environment and under tight deadlines.
• Based in / willing to commute to Dunstable; able to spend 3 days a week in the office.

What’s Offered

• A competitive salary (to be discussed, depending on experience).
• Opportunity for progression: managing and building your own estimating team.
• Exposure to high value tenders + large scale projects.
• Stable, well-invested business, strong order book.
• Hybrid working: some flexibility, with in-office requirement.