Estimator

Brandon James; Henfield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandon James is recruiting for an Estimator to join a civil engineering and groundworks contractor. You will prepare tenders, review drawings and carry out take-offs, developing detailed cost estimates for projects across infrastructure and groundwork sectors.

The role involves liaising with commercial and operational teams, obtaining subcontractor quotes and presenting competitive bids, with a focus on mitigating risk while ensuring commercial viability.

Qualifications

• Previous estimating experience within groundworks, civil engineering or infrastructure.
• Ability to review drawings/specifications and perform take-offs with cost estimation.
• Full UK driving licence and a relevant qualification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive tenders for civil engineering and groundworks projects.
• Review tender documentation, obtain quotations and develop detailed cost estimates.
• Attend tender meetings and support handover to delivery teams.

Skills

Tendering

Take-offs

Cost estimates

Numerical ability

Communication skills

Estimating knowledge

Education

HNC/HND/degree in QS/Construction/CE

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Job description

Estimator

An established and growing civil engineering and groundworks contractor is seeking an Estimator to join their commercial team. The business delivers a broad range of groundwork, infrastructure and civil engineering packages for clients across the construction sector, with projects ranging from smaller specialist schemes through to significant developments.

With a strong reputation for quality, reliability and long‑standing client relationships, this is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator looking to join a well‑established contractor and play an important part in securing future projects.

The Estimator's Role

The successful Estimator will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive tenders for civil engineering and groundworks projects. Working closely with the commercial and operational teams, they will assess tender documentation, identify project requirements and develop detailed cost estimates.

The role will involve reviewing drawings and specifications, completing take‑offs, obtaining subcontractor and supplier quotations, and producing tender submissions. The Estimator will also assess potential commercial risks and opportunities, ensuring bids are both competitive and commercially viable.

Additional responsibilities will include attending tender meetings, liaising with clients and consultants, maintaining up‑to‑date pricing information and supporting tender handovers to the delivery team following successful bids.

The Estimator

The successful Estimator will ideally have:

• Previous estimating experience within groundworks, civil engineering or infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials and current market rates
• Experience completing take‑offs and preparing detailed tender submissions
• Good commercial awareness and the ability to identify project risks
• Strong numerical, analytical and communication skills
• Competence using relevant estimating and Microsoft Office software
• A relevant HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline
• Membership of, or progress towards, a relevant professional body such as RICS or CIOB would be advantageous
• A full UK driving licence

In Return?

The successful Estimator will receive a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside the opportunity to join an established contractor with a healthy pipeline of work and genuine scope for long‑term career progression