Estimator

Randstad Construction & Property; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance / company car

Pension contribution

Healthcare options

Job summary

Randstad CPE in Manchester is seeking an experienced Estimator to join the tendering team. You will develop comprehensive commercial build-ups for water sector projects, coordinating with Bid Managers, procurement and delivery teams to win high-value contracts.

The role covers take-offs, first-principles estimates, adjudication packs and robust handover documentation for project delivery teams. A Chartered Engineer by qualification is desirable.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience in civil engineering, water infrastructure, or groundworks.
• Strong understanding of site production rates and plant/labour needs.
• Experience building tender costs from first principles and using standard estimating software.
• Excellent MS Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimating packs and tender submissions for executive review.
• Interpret tender requirements from PQQ/ITT and conduct take-offs from BoQs.
• Collaborate with Bid Managers, planners and procurement on pricing and methodologies.
• Create handover packages for delivery teams and support site teams post-award.
• Support client negotiations and document risk and assumption registers.

Skills

Sector expertise

Technical knowledge

Tender build-ups

IT competency

Communication

Education

Chartered Engineer (MICE) or equivalent

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Estimator - Civil Engineering / Water Sector

Location: Manchester

Salary: 70,000 - 80,000 per annum + Benefits Package

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

A prominent civil engineering contractor with renowned in-house delivery capabilities is seeking an experienced Estimator to join an established tendering team in Manchester. Specialising in water sector infrastructure, civil engineering, groundworks, shafts, tunnelling, pipelines, MEICA, and rail civils, the business provides a collaborative environment working alongside Bid Managers, Procurement, and Business Development teams to secure high-value projects.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the end-to-end work-winning capability, developing comprehensive customer solutions and accurate commercial build-ups.

Key Responsibilities

Estimate Preparation & Tendering

• Interpret client tender requirements from PQQ and ITT documentation.

• Conduct detailed take-offs and reviews of Bills of Quantities (BoQs) based on client information.

• Prepare accurate first-principle estimates in accordance with governance procedures and strict deadlines.

• Collate essential supporting documentation throughout the estimating process, including opportunity, risk, and key assumption registers.

• Work in partnership with Bid Managers, regional teams, planners, and procurement to agree on methodologies, execution principles, and supply chain pricing.

Adjudication & Commercial Review

• Prepare detailed estimating adjudication packs for executive review.

• Present the foundation of the estimate, key risks, and resource assumptions during adjudication meetings.

• Maintain accurate notes from adjudication sessions, close out action items, and support client negotiations to secure final authority.

Site Handover & Ongoing Support

• Prepare comprehensive handover packages for operational site teams upon contract award.

• Present the technical basis of the estimate to project delivery teams during initial site briefings.

• Provide continuous commercial and technical guidance to site management regarding original key assumptions and estimating logic.

Requirements

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Sector Expertise: Proven estimating or operational experience within civil engineering, specifically across water infrastructure, shafts, tunnelling, pipelines, MEICA, rail civils, or groundworks.

• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of construction techniques, site production rates, and associated plant/labor resource requirements.

• Tender Build-Ups: High proficiency in tender build-ups from first principles and familiarity with industry-standard estimating software.

• IT Competency: Advanced skills across the Microsoft Office suite.

• Communication: Numerate with a confident demeanor, capable of liaising effectively with internal directors, project teams, and client representatives.

Desirable Criteria:

• Professional status as a Chartered Engineer (MICE or equivalent) or working toward a similar professional qualification.

Package & Benefits

• Salary: 70,000 - 80,000 per annum (commensurate with experience)

• Comprehensive benefits package including car allowance/company car, pension contribution, and healthcare options

• Career progression opportunities within a major infrastructure contractor

• Collaborative working environment based in Manchester

Application Process

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.