Senior Civils Estimator

Building Careers UK; Stockport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent package

Stockport-based role

Long-term framework work across North

Projects with local authorities and T1

Job summary

Building Careers UK are recruiting a Senior Civil Estimator for highways and civil engineering projects based in Stockport, North West. You will prepare competitive estimates, work with procurement and operations, and manage tender submissions from early involvement through handover.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in highways estimating or senior QS in highways, with NEC/JCT contract knowledge and strong commercial acumen. Excellent package and long-term opportunities offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience within civil engineering / highways estimating.
• Experience pricing from schedules of rates and first principles.
• Strong negotiation and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and submitting estimates for highways and civil engineering schemes.
• Pricing works from schedules of rates and using first-principles estimating.
• Carrying out accurate quantity take-offs and cost build-ups.
• Negotiating with clients and attending site meetings.
• Engaging with clients during Early Contractor Involvement (ECI).
• Producing programmes and method statements as required.
• Leading bids for PQQ and framework submissions.
• Preparing detailed estimator handover files for site teams.

Skills

Civil estimating

Highways estimating

Client negotiation

Communication skills

Project management

Tools

Candy

Causeway

Job description

Senior Civil Estimator - Highways & Civil Engineering

Location - Stockport / North West

Salary/Package - £60,000 - £80,000 + Package

About the Company

Our client is a highly established specialist civil engineering and highways contractor delivering projects across the North West. The business works extensively with local authorities, transport authorities, housebuilders and Tier 1 contractors, with a strong focus on highways and civil engineering schemes.

The business has a substantial forward order book supported by long‑term framework contracts and continues to grow its commercial and estimating function. Its projects include highways schemes, drainage works, junction improvements, public infrastructure and S278/S38 works.

With a strong reputation across the North West and a collaborative approach to project delivery, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Civil Estimator to join a growing and well-established contractor.

The Role

As Senior Civil Estimator, you will take responsibility for preparing competitive and accurate estimates across a range of highways and civil engineering projects. You will work closely with clients, procurement, commercial and operational teams, supporting projects from early contractor involvement through to tender submission and handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and submitting estimates for highways and civil engineering schemes


• Pricing works from existing schedules of rates and using first-principles estimating


• Carrying out accurate quantity take-offs and cost build-ups


• Negotiating with clients, including attending site meetings, undertaking measurements and agreeing methods of working


• Engaging with clients during Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) for future schemes


• Producing programmes and method statements where required


• Working closely with the Procurement Manager to develop and maintain key supply chain relationships


• Leading bids for PQQ and framework submissions


• Preparing commercial and social value information to support bids


• Preparing detailed estimator handover files for site teams, including build-ups, assumptions and targets


• Assisting the Commercial Team with compensation event build-ups


• Supporting the wider commercial team with business development and strategy


• Maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors


• Ensuring tenders are commercially robust, competitive and submitted within required deadlines

The Ideal Candidate

The successful Senior Civil Estimator will have:

• Proven experience within civil engineering / highways estimating


• Alternatively, strong experience as a Senior Quantity Surveyor within the highways sector


• Ideally 6+ years' experience within highways estimating or a senior QS role


• Strong knowledge of highways and civil engineering construction


• Experience pricing from schedules of rates and first principles


• Experience working on framework contracts would be advantageous


• Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contracts


• Experience with estimating packages such as Candy, Causeway or similar


• Strong commercial and negotiation skills


• Experience dealing directly with clients


• Ability to work on multiple tenders and meet strict deadlines


• Strong understanding of construction methodology and cost build-ups


• Good Microsoft Office and MS Project skills


• Experience preparing method statements would be advantageous


• Bid writing and PQQ/framework experience would be beneficial


• Strong communication and presentation skills


• Full UK driving licence

What's on Offer

• £60,000 - £80,000 salary


• Excellent package


• Stockport-based role with projects across the North West


• Opportunity to join an established and growing civil engineering contractor


• Long-term framework work across the North West


• Strong forward order book


• Exposure to major highways and civil engineering projects


• Opportunity to work with local authorities, housebuilders and Tier 1 contractors


• Career progression and long-term development


• Collaborative and commercially focused working environment

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates.