Senior Estimator

SEDR Recruitment Ltd; Dartford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A civil engineering recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Estimator to support their commercial team in the UK. This position involves preparing tenders, performing cost estimates, and assessing risks for civil engineering projects. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and proven estimating experience. The role offers a competitive salary, car allowance, and various benefits to support career growth.

Benefits

Car allowance or company car

Performance/bonus incentive

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme & private healthcare

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading estimating on medium to large civils/infrastructure projects.
• Technical knowledge of groundworks, earthworks, drainage, and utilities.
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tenders for civil engineering contracts.
• Analyse drawings and risk data to assess project scope.
• Liaise with teams to clarify works and methodology.

Skills

Cost control

Risk identification

Value engineering

Estimating software

Excel modelling

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Education

Degree / HNC / HND in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

Job description

Overview

Senior Estimator - Civil Engineering

Location: Ebbsfleet / Southeast England (site travel UK-wide)

Salary: Competitive + car allowance + bonus + benefits

We are looking for a Civil Engineering Senior Estimator to join their commercial team and help drive growth in civil and infrastructure contracts. You\'ll prepare tenders, pricing models, and risk assessments across earthworks, enabling works, utilities, and remediation packages.

This is a great opportunity to build your estimating career in a contractor respected for technical delivery, quality, safety, and long-term project partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, bills of quantities, and tenders for civil engineering, infrastructure, and earthworks contracts
• Analyse drawings, specifications, soil reports, and ground investigation data to assess risk and scope
• Liaise with technical and delivery teams (site, engineering, health & safety) to clarify works, methodology, and resources
• Develop subcontractor and supplier pricing schedules, procure quotes, and validate rates
• Build and maintain cost databases, benchmarking, and unit rates analysis
• Identify commercial and technical risks, include contingencies, and propose mitigation
• Assist in bid reviews, presentations, and post-tender negotiations
• Support pre-contract handover to project delivery teams, ensuring budgets, scope, and contract terms align

What We're Looking For

• Degree / HNC / HND in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related discipline
• Proven experience contributing to or leading estimating on medium to large civils / infrastructure / earthworks projects
• Technical knowledge of groundworks, earthworks, drainage, utilities, and remediation
• Strong commercial awareness: cost control, risk identification, value engineering
• Excellent use of estimating software, Excel modelling, and ability to build cost models
• Great communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites / client meetings

Package & Benefits

• Competitive base salary (dependent on experience)
• Car allowance or company car
• Performance / bonus incentive
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme & private healthcare options
• Professional development and career path opportunities
• Exposure to high-profile infrastructure, remediation and multi-utilities contracts

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV or contact Daniel Lewis - Director, SEDR Recruitment for a confidential discussion about the role