Estimator - Groundworks

Upfront Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Estimator for a well-established civil engineering contractor in Greater London. The role involves preparing accurate cost estimates for reinforced concrete and other engineering packages across various projects. Candidates should possess strong technical skills, analytical mindset, and teamwork ability. The salary ranges from £60,000 to £80,000 with additional benefits and opportunities for progression in a safety-first environment.

Benefits

Yearly bonus

Long-term career progression

Involvement in landmark projects

Safety-first working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience estimating reinforced concrete and civil engineering packages.
• Strong understanding of temporary works and construction sequencing.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for various engineering packages.
• Analyse technical drawings and tender documentation.
• Work closely with Pre‑Construction and Engineering teams.

Skills

Estimating reinforced concrete structures

Analytical mindset

Team collaboration

Commercial awareness

Proficient with Excel and estimating software

Job description

Estimator - Groundworks

£60,000 - £80,000 + Package, Benefits & Yearly Bonus

Southwark | Permanent | Full-Time

A well-established civil engineering and construction contractor with over five decades of delivery across London and the South East is seeking an experienced Estimator to strengthen its pre‑construction function. The business is recognised for its technical capability across reinforced concrete structures, groundworks, substructures, earthworks, soil stabilisation and demolition. With a reputation for safety, innovation and long‑term client partnerships, this is an opportunity to join a progressive organisation with a strong pipeline of major projects.

About the Role

This role will be central to producing accurate, commercially robust estimates for reinforced concrete, substructure, groundworks and associated civil engineering packages. You will play a key part in tendering works across commercial, residential, infrastructure and regeneration schemes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for RC structures, substructures, groundworks and enabling works
• Analyse drawings, specifications and tender documentation
• Produce take‑offs and develop rates from first principles
• Obtain, assess and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Work closely with Pre‑Construction, Commercial, Engineering and Operations teams
• Identify risks, value engineering opportunities and programme efficiencies
• Support bid submissions, tender clarifications and negotiations
• Assist in budgets, cash flow forecasting and cost planning
• Maintain accurate databases, cost records and benchmarking information

Ideal Background

• Proven experience estimating reinforced concrete, groundworks, basement/substructure or broader civil engineering packages
• Strong technical understanding of temporary works, structural elements and construction sequencing
• Ability to interpret complex technical, structural and civil engineering drawings
• Proficient with Excel and estimating software
• Analytical mindset with strong commercial awareness
• Excellent communication and team collaboration skills

What's on Offer

• £60,000 - £80,000 salary + package, benefits and yearly bonus
• Opportunity to join an established civil engineering contractor with over 50 years' trading
• Long‑term progression within a growing, technically driven organisation
• Involvement in landmark projects across London and the South East
• A safety‑first, people‑focused working environment

To apply or discuss the position in confidence, contact Mark at Up Front Recruitment