Estimator

ARC Group; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ARC Group in Ipswich seeks an experienced Estimator to join its groundworks and civil engineering team. You will prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions to secure new projects.

The role involves reviewing drawings and specifications, obtaining quotations, value engineering opportunities, and liaising with clients and internal teams to ensure accurate, competitive bids and timely submissions.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Estimator within groundworks, civil engineering or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong understanding of groundworks packages including foundations, drainage, roads, paving, external works and related civil activities.
• Experience pricing commercial construction projects.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for groundworks and civil engineering packages.
• Review drawings, specifications and tender documents to identify project requirements and risks.
• Obtain and analyse quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Conduct site visits to assess project scope and constraints.
• Prepare take-offs and bills of quantities.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and internal teams during the tender process.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methods.
• Support contract negotiations and handovers to operations after award.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions, material costs and industry trends.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Numerical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Multitasking

Tools

Estimating software

MS Office

Job description

Estimator - Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Salary: £70,000-£80,000 + Comprehensive Benefits Package

Estimator - Groundworks & Civil Engineering

A well-established and highly respected groundworks subcontractor based in Ipswich is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its growing commercial team. With a strong reputation for delivering complex groundworks packages on high-profile commercial construction projects across the region, this is an excellent opportunity to join a business with a secure pipeline of work and ambitious growth plans.

Working closely with senior management, pre-construction teams, and clients, you will play a key role in securing new projects by producing accurate and competitive tenders for a variety of commercial developments.

The Role

• Preparing detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for groundworks and civil engineering packages.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, and tender documentation to identify project requirements and risks.
• Obtaining and analysing quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Conducting site visits where required to assess project scope and constraints.
• Preparing take-offs and bills of quantities.
• Liaising with clients, consultants, and internal teams throughout the tender process.
• Identifying value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methods.
• Supporting contract negotiations and handovers to the operational team following project award.
• Maintaining awareness of market conditions, material costs, and industry trends.

Requirements

• Previous experience as an Estimator within groundworks, civil engineering, or infrastructure sectors.
• A strong understanding of groundworks packages including foundations, drainage, roads, paving, external works, and associated civil engineering activities.
• Experience pricing commercial construction projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• The ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

About the Company

This established groundworks subcontractor has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality groundworks and civil engineering solutions across a range of major commercial developments. With a loyal client base, repeat business from leading contractors, and a healthy order book, the company offers long-term career stability and excellent opportunities for professional growth.