Senior Estimator

Global Recruitment Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Global Recruitment Group is assisting a London-based contractor specialising in groundworks and civil engineering in recruiting a Senior Estimator. The role focuses on accurate tendering, cost planning and strategy across projects in London and the South East.

You will review drawings, price groundworks elements and coordinate with commercial teams to win competitive bids. A strong background in estimating software and Excel is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating as a Senior Estimator or experienced Estimator within the groundworks, civil engineering or reinforced concrete sector.
• Strong technical understanding of groundworks, drainage, foundations, earthworks and associated construction activities.
• Experience preparing and pricing tenders for projects across London and the South East.
• Excellent commercial awareness, analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and contractual documentation.
• Experience using estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders, work independently and deliver within demanding deadlines.
• Relevant construction, civil engineering or quantity surveying qualifications would be advantageous, although demonstrable industry experience is equally valued.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full estimating and tendering process, from initial enquiry through to final submission.
• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for groundworks, reinforced concrete, drainage, foundations and associated civil engineering works.
• Review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and tender documentation to identify project requirements, risks and commercial opportunities.
• Undertake detailed take-offs and cost analysis covering labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and preliminaries.
• Obtain and evaluate competitive quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Work closely with the commercial, operational and senior management teams to develop competitive and commercially viable tender submissions.
• Attend site visits, pre-tender meetings and client negotiations as required.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methodologies.
• Ensure successful tenders are effectively handed over to project delivery teams.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, main contractors and key supply chain partners.

Skills

Senior Estimator

Groundworks

Civil engineering

Reinforced concrete

Tendering

Commercial awareness

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Education

Quantity surveying qualifications

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Estimator to join one of our clients in London, an established contractor specialising in groundworks, civil engineering and associated construction projects across London and the South East.

This is a key appointment within the business, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to play an influential role in securing new projects, developing competitive tender strategies and supporting the company's continued growth.

We are seeking a commercially astute and technically experienced individual with a proven background in estimating groundworks and civil engineering packages, ideally gained within a specialist subcontracting environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full estimating and tendering process, from initial enquiry through to final submission.
• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for groundworks, reinforced concrete, drainage, foundations and associated civil engineering works.
• Review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and tender documentation to identify project requirements, risks and commercial opportunities.
• Undertake detailed take-offs and cost analysis covering labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and preliminaries.
• Obtain and evaluate competitive quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Work closely with the commercial, operational and senior management teams to develop competitive and commercially viable tender submissions.
• Attend site visits, pre-tender meetings and client negotiations as required.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methodologies.
• Ensure successful tenders are effectively handed over to project delivery teams.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, main contractors and key supply chain partners.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience operating as a Senior Estimator or experienced Estimator within the groundworks, civil engineering or reinforced concrete sector.
• Strong technical understanding of groundworks, drainage, foundations, earthworks and associated construction activities.
• Experience preparing and pricing tenders for projects across London and the South East.
• Excellent commercial awareness, analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and contractual documentation.
• Experience using estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders, work independently and deliver within demanding deadlines.
• Relevant construction, civil engineering or quantity surveying qualifications would be advantageous, although demonstrable industry experience is equally valued.

What's on Offer

• Basic Salary: £80,000 per annum
• Competitive Benefits Package
• Permanent position within an established specialist contractor.
• Opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of groundworks and civil engineering projects.
• Direct involvement in commercial decision-making and future project opportunities.
• Long-term career development and progression.
• Supportive and commercially focused working environment.

The Ideal Appointment

We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates currently working for established groundworks or civil engineering subcontractors who have a strong track record of delivering accurate, competitive tenders and contributing to successful project awards.

The successful individual will combine technical estimating expertise with a proactive commercial approach, demonstrating the ability to identify opportunities, manage risk and support sustainable business growth.