Freelance Estimator

Kenton Black Limited; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Job summary

Kenton Black Limited is seeking an experienced Freelance Estimator to join its established civil engineering team on a long-term, outside IR35 contract. The role offers hybrid working arrangements and involves preparing competitive tenders across diverse civil and infrastructure projects in the Midlands and wider UK.

The successful candidate will analyse project costs, review documents and negotiate with subcontractors, supporting pre-construction efforts and tender strategy development.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Estimator in civil engineering, infrastructure, highways, groundworks or utilities.
• Strong understanding of tendering processes and estimating methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and prioritise workloads.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Responsibilities

• Produce accurate and competitive cost estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings, and bills of quantities.
• Obtain, assess, and negotiate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Prepare detailed pricing schedules and tender submissions.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value engineering proposals.
• Work closely with operational, engineering, and commercial teams throughout the bid process.
• Attend tender meetings and provide support during client negotiations where required.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and cost databases.
• Assist in developing tender strategies to maximise project success.
• Ensure submissions are completed within required deadlines and company standards.

Skills

Civil sector experience

Tendering knowledge

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Due to continued success and an increasing number of tender opportunities, our client is seeking an experienced Freelance Estimator to join their established team. This is a long-term contract opportunity offering hybrid working arrangements and an outside IR35 status.

The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing competitive tenders, analysing project costs, and supporting the business in securing new work across a range of civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce accurate and competitive cost estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings, and bills of quantities.
• Obtain, assess, and negotiate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Prepare detailed pricing schedules and tender submissions.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value engineering proposals.
• Work closely with operational, engineering, and commercial teams throughout the bid process.
• Attend tender meetings and provide support during client negotiations where required.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and cost databases.
• Assist in developing tender strategies to maximise project success.
• Ensure submissions are completed within required deadlines and company standards.

• Proven experience working as an Estimator within the civil engineering, infrastructure, highways, groundworks, or utilities sectors.
• Strong understanding of tendering processes and estimating methodologies.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and contract documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and prioritise workloads effectively.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and industry-standard estimating software.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong cost planning and estimating capabilities.
• Experience preparing detailed tender submissions.
• Ability to analyse supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Understanding of commercial and contractual principles.
• Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy.

People Skills

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Organised and capable of managing competing deadlines.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Our client is a well-established civil engineering and infrastructure contractor with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects across the Midlands and wider UK. Operating across a diverse range of sectors, they have built long-standing relationships with both public and private sector clients through their commitment to quality, safety, and collaborative project delivery. Due to a growing workload and a strong pipeline of secured work, they are looking to appoint an experienced Freelance Estimator to support their pre-construction function.

• Long-term freelance contract.
• Outside IR35 engagement.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Competitive day rate.
• Opportunity to work with a reputable contractor on a diverse portfolio of projects.