Estimator

Vital Human Resources; Ringway; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent role

Benefits package

Job summary

Vital Human Resources seeks an experienced Estimator for HV Substation Civils & Cabling Works in Manchester. You will manage end-to-end tenders for HV/EHV civil works and cable installation, preparing accurate first-principles estimates while coordinating with commercial, operational and technical teams.

The role requires strong interpretation of drawings and specifications, with a focus on delivering competitive, deliverable bids within deadlines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in an Estimator role.
• Experience in civil engineering, utilities, power, energy infrastructure or related sectors.
• Experience with HV/EHV substations or electrical infrastructure projects is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of first-principles estimating.
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of construction costs.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and methodologies.
• Experience obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage tender inquiries and ITTs from receipt to final submission.
• Review drawings, specifications and commercial requirements.
• Prepare first-principles estimates for HV/EHV substation civil works and cable installation.
• Build detailed cost estimates covering labour, plant, materials, and subcontractors.
• Obtain and assess quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities within tender documents.
• Coordinate tender queries and supporting docs with Contracts Managers and teams.
• Collaborate with commercial, operational and technical teams to deliver submissions.
• Ensure timely, accurate and competitive tender submissions.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

First-principles estimating

Construction costs

Communication

Organisational skills

Job description

Estimator - HV Substation Civils & Cabling Works

Location: Manchester

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

The Role

An established specialist civil engineering and high-voltage power contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Estimator to join its Manchester-based team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing tender opportunities from initial enquiry through to final submission, with a particular focus on HV/EHV substation civil engineering and high-voltage cable installation works.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator with a background in civil engineering, utilities, power or energy infrastructure to join a growing business delivering technically challenging projects across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage tender enquiries and Invitations to Tender (ITTs) from initial receipt through to final submission.
• Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and commercial requirements.
• Prepare accurate first-principles estimates for HV/EHV substation civil works and high-voltage cable installation projects.
• Build detailed cost estimates covering labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and other project requirements.
• Obtain and assess competitive quotations from suppliers and specialist subcontractors.
• Identify potential commercial risks and opportunities within tender documentation.
• Coordinate tender queries, programmes and supporting documentation with Contracts Managers and wider internal teams.
• Work closely with commercial, operational and technical teams to develop competitive and deliverable tender submissions.
• Ensure estimates are accurate, commercially competitive and submitted within required deadlines.

Skills & Experience Required

• Ideally 5+ years' experience within an Estimator position.
• Previous estimating experience within civil engineering, utilities, power, energy infrastructure or a related sector.
• Experience of HV/EHV substations, electrical infrastructure or cable installation projects would be highly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of first-principles estimating.
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of construction costs.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and construction methodologies.
• Experience obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Confident communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a wider team.

What's on Offer

• Permanent position with a growing specialist contractor.
• Opportunity to work within the expanding HV/EHV power infrastructure sector.
• Involvement in technically challenging civil engineering and cabling projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and career progression