Senior Estimator

Balfour Beatty plc; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

25 days annual leave

Pension savings schemes

Enhanced maternity/paternity policies

Refer and Earn scheme

Discretionary salary reviews

Job summary

Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering is recruiting a Senior Estimator to lead detailed cost estimates for ground engineering bids and tenders in the UK. You will build robust cost bases, review drawings and contract requirements, and develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin.

Work with engineers, procurement and operations to produce accurate tenders, identify value engineering opportunities, and support bid reviews and post-tender negotiations.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience in ground engineering or civil sectors.
• Experience reviewing tender docs, specifications and drawings.
• Strong numerical and analytical problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and contract documents.
• Familiarity with estimating software and MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed and accurate cost estimates for ground engineering projects.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and contract requirements.
• Develop pricing strategies that are commercial and align to project risk.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction solutions.
• Liaise with engineers, planners, procurement and operations to build tender submissions.
• Prepare bills of quantities, cost build-ups and pricing schedules.

Skills

Estimating experience

Tender pricing

Numerical skills

Drawings interpretation

Estimating software

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About The RoleAmazing infrastructure isn’t the only thing that gets built here. Incredible careers do too. Join our

About The RoleAmazing infrastructure isn’t the only thing that gets built here. Incredible careers do too. Join our Ground Engineering team as a Senior Estimator and you can build something to be proud of.
Role purpose: To be a member of the team to develop bids and tenders to win work for the business. To generate an accurate cost base for the works based on the Clients requirements. Specifically, to bring innovation into the way we develop and price solutions for clients, such that we bid at the winning price (and still make
the necessary margin). The business requires the most efficient design solution for every tender which is safe to build, will meet the desired quality metrics and comply with the client’s delivery requirements.
What you'll be doing
The Successful Candidate Will

• Lead the preparation of detailed and accurate cost estimates for ground engineering projects.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and contract requirements.
• Develop pricing strategies that are commercially competitive and aligned to project risk.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction solutions.
• Liaise with engineers, planners, procurement teams, operational teams and supply chain partners to build robust tender submissions.
• Prepare bills of quantities, cost build-ups, subcontractor comparisons and pricing schedules.
• Assess project risks, opportunities, site constraints and technical challenges as part of the tender process.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Support the preparation of tender clarifications, presentations and post-tender negotiations.
• Maintain estimating records, cost databases and benchmarking information.
• Contribute to bid reviews, handover meetings and lessons learned activities.
• Support junior estimators and sharing best practice across the estimating function.

Who we're looking for You Will Ideally Have

• Proven experience in an estimating role within ground engineering, piling, foundations, geotechnical engineering or specialist civil engineering.
• Experience preparing estimates for complex and/or high-value tenders.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing and commercial risk.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and contract documents.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively.
• Good knowledge of estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to challenge, influence and contribute to bid strategy.

Why work for us
Our people are our biggest asset and we focus on recruiting, training and developing the people who can apply innovation to deliver the infrastructure of the future. We nurture these talents, offer a great benefits package in addition to a competitive base salary and continually invest in developing the skills of our people at every level.
Some Of Our Key Benefits Are

• An attractive/negotiated salary;
• Company car;
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays;
• Pension savings schemes;
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and family friendly policies;
• Access to our Refer and Earn scheme;
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.

About UsBalfour Beatty Ground Engineering is one of the UK’s leading specialist geo-technical contractors, providing innovative piling and ground improvement solutions across all sectors.
Our comprehensive ground engineering capabilities, equipment and experience provide the solid foundations for infrastructure and buildings of any height, ranging from city skyscrapers to cross-country rail and road projects.
Our reputation as one of the UK’s leading specialist geo-technical contractors is earned through the delivery of ground engineering solutions on some of the UK’s largest and most prestigious projects including HS2, The Shard, Wembley Stadium, Reading Station Viaduct, Marble Arch Place, Battersea Power Station redevelopment and the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement project.
Diversity and inclusionAt Balfour Beatty, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone D&I Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion
We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
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