Highways Senior Estimator

Carrington West; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering contractor in the UK is seeking a Senior Estimator – Highways to manage analytical cost estimates and lead tender preparations for major infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in civils and highways, and will benefit from a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Company car scheme

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

25 days' annual leave

Enhanced maternity and paternity package

Qualifications

• Proven experience on large, complex infrastructure or highways projects.
• Strong background in civils, highways, pavements, drainage, earthworks.
• Confident IT skills and experience with estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Produce and manage analytical cost estimates for projects.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates reflecting project requirements.
• Compile tender summaries and present key recommendations.

Skills

Estimating rates from first principles

Understanding of construction techniques

Strong IT skills including Excel

Relationship building

Education

Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent

Job description

Senior Estimator – Highways

Step into a Senior Estimator – Highways role where your insight directly shapes major civils and highways projects across England. You will have the autonomy to influence competitive tenders, target costs and budgets, while working on complex, high-profile schemes in pavements, drainage, earthworks and structures.

Why this opportunity stands out

You will be joining a business that is investing in its pre-construction and estimating capability and sees you as a key part of winning and delivering the next generation of highways projects. As a Senior Estimator – Highways, you will be trusted to lead on substantial bids, work closely with senior stakeholders and have a genuine voice in commercial strategy, rather than just "number crunching" in the background.

Who you'll be joining

You will be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking civil engineering contractor delivering highways and infrastructure schemes across England. Relationships are central to how the team operates. You will be working alongside experienced bid professionals, project managers, commercial managers and supply chain partners, as well as directly with clients and their professional advisors, to develop winning solutions and build long‑term partnerships in the highways sector.

What you’ll be doing

• Produce and manage robust analytical cost estimates, target costs and budgets for one‑off tenders, projects and long‑term frameworks.
• Prepare accurate and timely cost estimates that reflect project requirements, site conditions and client needs.
• Develop cost plans, order‑of‑magnitude budgets and design‑to‑cost budgets to support work winning and project development.
• Analyse method‑related costs and temporary works in collaboration with engineering and delivery teams.
• Compile tender summaries, risk registers and contribute to written methodologies and technical/commercial proposals.
• Present commercial strategies and key tender recommendations at adjudication meetings.
• Hand over successful bids to delivery teams, ensuring clarity on scope, risks and commercial assumptions.
• Seek feedback on tenders, using lessons learned to drive continuous improvement across the business.

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience as an estimator on large, complex infrastructure or highways projects.
• A strong background in general civils, highways, pavements, drainage, earthworks and structures.
• Demonstrable experience estimating rates from first principles.
• Good working knowledge of Methods of Measurement and preparing Bills of Quantities.
• Strong understanding of construction techniques, technologies and risk management principles.
• Confident IT skills, including the use of estimating software and Excel.
• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent relevant experience in a related discipline.
• A proactive, detail‑oriented approach with a passion for building relationships and driving continuous improvement.

What you’ll get in return

• A competitive salary aligned to your experience and the market (up to £80,000).
• Company car scheme.
• Private healthcare.
• Pension scheme.
• Life assurance cover.
• 25 days' annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthday.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity package.

You will also benefit from flexible, hybrid working where business and project needs allow.

Your growth, location and working pattern

You will have access to clear routes for career progression within pre‑construction, commercial or project leadership, with support for professional development and ongoing training. Projects are delivered across England, and you will work in a mix of office, home and site environments as required by live tenders and client meetings. The role offers a modern, flexible working pattern focused on outcomes and collaboration, rather than rigid time at a single base.

Ready to explore the next step?

If you are a Senior Estimator – Highways who enjoys the challenge of competitive tendering, influencing commercial outcomes and working as part of a supportive, expert team, you will find this a rewarding next move in your career.

Apply with your CV or get in touch to discuss how this Senior Estimator – Highways position could align with your experience, ambitions and preferred working pattern.

Data protection

By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third‑party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please contact us.