Estimator

Balaena; Hebburn; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 4%

Life cover 7x salary

Health cash plan

Sick pay

Annual leave 25 days

Job summary

Balaena Tyne is seeking an estimator to join our commercial team to support securing new marine projects as we grow. You could come from project engineering or construction and will enjoy the variety and responsibility in the marine sector.

You will assess costs, prepare detailed estimates, and work with project managers, engineers and suppliers to build accurate bids. A degree or equivalent experience is essential, with strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience as Estimator or in project engineering.
• Strong analytical and maths skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration.
• Ability to meet deadlines with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Accurately assess project costs and provide insights for clients and internal teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.
• Analyse requirements, specifications and drawings to prepare cost estimates.
• Calculate material, labour and equipment costs and prepare detailed cost breakdowns and bid documents.
• Review and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes.
• Participate in value engineering, cost-saving activities and bidding.

Skills

Engineering degree

Estimator experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

Cost estimation software

Job description

Estimator, Balaena Tyne

We are looking for an Estimator to join our commercial team in this key role that supports us securing new projects as we grow at pace.

It’s a great opportunity for someone who is keen to get involved in the bid process too.

You might be in project engineering or construction and be looking for the variety and responsibility that comes with working within the Marine sector, or you may be in a similar role and looking for a fresh challenge.

Who are we?

With a combined workforce of over 2,000 employees and operations spanning Gibraltar, Padstow, Tyne, Birkenhead, and Falmouth, Balaena is one of the UK’s most dynamic and regionally anchored maritime groups - combining industrial agility, innovation, and community partnership to support national resilience, commercial competitiveness, and sustainability across both naval and merchant ship sectors.

The integration of Balaena’s modern facilities in Gibraltar and Padstow with APCL’s infrastructure on Tyne, Birkenhead and Falmouth create one of the world’s most capable ship repair and shipbuilding groups - with a network of 12 dry docks and strategic reach across the UK and the Mediterranean.

We respond quickly to defence and commercial requirements and deliver consistent quality and reliability to clients worldwide.

Using in-house capabilities to maintain tight project control we work closely together with our customers to deliver what they need, as they need it, when they need it.

And what will you do?

• You’ll play a crucial role in accurately assessing project costs and providing essential insights for our clients and internal teams
• You will work on a variety of projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success
• Analysing project requirements, specifications, and drawings you’ll prepare accurate cost estimates
• Working with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders you’ll find the information you need using systems and tools to calculate material, labour, and equipment costs you’ll prepare detailed cost breakdowns, proposals, and bid documents.
• You’ll review and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes
• Once up to speed in the role you’ll take part in value engineering, cost‑saving activities and bidding

And what are we looking for?

• An engineering degree or equivalent work experience
• Experience as an Estimator, or in project engineering
• Strong analytical and maths skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively
• Attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines

Why join us?

• Personal Growth - This is an opportunity to make a significant impact while working with and learning from a team of experts from the marine and structural engineering industries. The chance to be part of a team making a real impact on the future of the business
• Financial Security - with important benefits like your Pension which includes a monthly employer contribution up to 4% and Life cover at 7 x your basic salary is part of your package.
• Healthy Living - We support healthy living and provide help when its needed. To ensure that you are able to take time off when you need it, we offer sick pay and to cover everyday health we have a health cash plan, which gives you access to money back on everyday healthcare costs. Your dental, optical and physiotherapy as well as wellness services including counselling sessions, digital mental health support, 24/7 virtual GP, and an EAP are included.
• Work‑life Balance - We offer 25 days of annual leave per year plus Bank Holidays. Maternity, Paternity and Parental leave support you during those significant life changes, helping you to

balance your family responsibilities with work.

Due to the nature of what we do for some of the customers that we work with, some roles working here are subject to security control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform with us.

You must also undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check before your employment starts, which will include a basic DBS check.