Estimator

Calco Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A civil engineering and construction contractor in East London is looking for an Estimator to prepare cost estimates and tender submissions for major projects. You will work closely with project teams and management, ensuring competitive pricing and risk assessment. Strong experience in civil engineering is essential, along with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tenders. The role offers a competitive rate based on experience, starting around £400 daily.

Qualifications

• Strong experience as an Estimator within civil engineering or major contractor environments.
• Solid understanding of groundworks, enabling works, drainage, and concrete structures.
• High level of accuracy, organization and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed first-principles cost estimates for projects.
• Analyse tender documents for civil engineering schemes.
• Maintain and update cost databases and historical project data.

Skills

Estimating in civil engineering

Cost planning

Risk assessment

Excellent communication

Ability to manage multiple tenders

Attention to detail

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

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 #removed# 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)