Estimator

ARC (Norwich) Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ARC GROUP based in Ipswich is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its growing commercial team. You will prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for groundworks and civil packages, reviewing drawings and specs to identify requirements and risks, while analysing quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.

Working with senior management and clients, you will help secure new projects, identify value engineering opportunities, and support handovers to the operations team after

Qualifications

• Experience as an Estimator in groundworks, civil engineering, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for groundworks and civil packages.
• Review drawings, specs and tender docs to identify requirements and risks.
• Obtain and analyse quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Conduct site visits to assess scope and constraints.
• Prepare take-offs and bills of quantities.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and internal teams throughout tendering.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative methods.
• Support contract negotiations and handovers to operations after award.
• Keep up to date with market conditions, material costs and industry trends.

Skills

Tender management

Analytical skills

Numerical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Multi-tender coordination

Tools

Estimating software

MS Office

Job description

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

As an Estimator, you will be responsible for:

• 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

The successful candidate will have:

• 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.

ARC GROUP

A focus on recruitment, a passion for people.