Estimator

Calco Services Limited; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established civil engineering contractor in South West London is seeking an Estimator to join their team. This role involves preparing competitive tenders for civil and structural projects under the guidance of Senior Estimators. Ideal candidates will have experience in estimating within groundworks or civil engineering sectors, and possess strong communication and technical skills. The company offers a supportive office culture with competitive salary and employment flexibility.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Structured mentoring by Senior Estimators

Exposure to diverse projects

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in estimating within groundworks or civil engineering sectors.
• Excellent numeracy and attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive tenders for civil engineering projects.
• Review tender documentation and produce detailed cost estimates.
• Work alongside Senior Estimators to verify quantities and assess risks.

Skills

Technical understanding of construction processes

Proficient in Excel

Communication skills

Numeracy

Attention to detail

Education

Relevant qualification in Civil Engineering

Construction Management

Quantity Surveying

Tools

Estimating software

Digital take-off tools

Job description

Estimator – Groundworks & RC Frame Contractor

Location: South West London
Salary:

• Junior Estimator: up to £50,000 (up to 2 years’ experience)
• Intermediate Estimator: up to £80,000 (3–4 years’ experience)
  Contract Type: Full-time, office-based (5 days per week)
  Employment Type: PAYE or Self-Employed

Company Overview

Our client is a well‑established civil engineering and groundworks contractor with a turnover of approximately £45 million per annum. The company operates within the groundworks, reinforced concrete (RC) frame, external works, and Section 278 (highway) works sectors.

They are known for delivering high‑quality projects across London and the South East, with a sweet spot project size between £6–8 million, and regular smaller packages in the £3–4 million range. On average, the estimating team handles around £10 million of tenders per month.

The business prides itself on maintaining a collaborative, hands‑on working environment where knowledge‑sharing, mentoring, and teamwork are central to success.

The Estimating Team

The existing estimating department comprises:

• 2 Senior Estimators with extensive industry experience.
• 1 Intermediate Estimator (mid‑level).
• 1 Estimating Assistant.

Following recent internal movement, the team is now seeking a new Estimator to work closely with the two Senior Estimators — either a Junior eager to develop their career or a Mid‑Level Estimator ready to take on more responsibility.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a key part in preparing accurate and competitive tenders for a range of civil engineering and structural projects. Working under the guidance of Senior Estimators, you will assist in developing cost plans, analysing tender documentation, and ensuring high‑quality bid submissions.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working within a supportive, team‑oriented office, where mentorship and professional development are actively encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

1. Tender Analysis & Cost Estimation
   • Review tender documentation, drawings, and specifications to produce detailed cost estimates.
   • Develop cost build‑ups for groundworks, RC frames, drainage, hard landscaping, and other civil engineering elements.
   • Prepare and maintain accurate Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and perform detailed take‑offs.
2. Collaboration & Review
   • Work alongside Senior Estimators to verify quantities, rates, and overall cost accuracy.
   • Participate in tender adjudication meetings and risk assessments with the senior team.
   • Coordinate with engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors to gather competitive quotations.
3. Technical & Commercial Inputs
   • Build rates using estimating software, incorporating up‑to‑date material, labour, and plant rates.
   • Ensure all project documentation (BOQs, quotes, programmes) is filed correctly within internal estimating systems.
   • Support senior management in the smooth transition of projects from estimation to delivery.
4. General Duties
   • Conduct site visits when required to assess conditions or verify information.
   • Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes and databases.
   • Treat all tender information as confidential and ensure all bids are submitted exclusively for the company.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Minimum 1 year of experience in estimating within groundworks, RC frame, or civil engineering sectors (up to 4 years for the mid‑level role).
• Strong technical understanding of construction processes and sequencing.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating software packages.
• Excellent numeracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills.
• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.

Desirable

• Relevant qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Quantity Surveying.
• Experience working on projects ranging from £3m–£10m.
• Familiarity with Civils/RC estimating software and digital take‑off tools.

Why Join

• Opportunity to work under highly experienced Senior Estimators with structured mentoring.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of civil and structural projects.
• Stable, growing company with consistent tender flow (£10m per month).
• Supportive, collaborative office culture in South West London.
• Competitive salary and flexibility on employment type (PAYE or self‑employed).

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