Senior Estimator

Naughton Contracts Ltd; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Naughton Contracts Ltd, a young, ambitious civil engineering company, invites applications for a Senior Estimator based at our Hatfield head office. You will lead the preparation of tenders across groundworks, earthworks, basements, and related civil works, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and value.

You will analyse drawings, source subcontractor quotes, and present pricing to clients, while mentoring junior estimators and supporting the commercial team through tender stages.

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Membership of CIOB or RICS is desirable but not essential.
• Valid CSCS card is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and tenders for groundworks, earthworks, basements, and site set-up projects.
• Analyse tender documents and specifications to identify scope, risk, and opportunity.
• Source and evaluate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers to build competitive pricing.
• Prepare bid submissions, method statements, and pricing schedules for clients.
• Liaise with clients, designers, and internal teams during the tender process.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving measures.
• Support post-tender negotiations and handover to delivery teams.
• Maintain historical pricing data and market trends.
• Mentor and support junior estimators.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Estimating software

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying / Civil Engineering / Construction Management

Membership of CIOB or RICS (desirable)

CSCS card

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Office Based (Hatfield, Hertfordshire)

Naughton Contracts Ltd is a young, ambitious civil engineering company delivering groundworks, earthworks, basements, site set-up and enabling, and civil engineering solutions across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects — including major data centre developments. We're looking for a Senior Estimator to join our team at our Hatfield head office and play a key role in winning and pricing the projects that keep us growing.

About the Role

As Senior Estimator, you'll be responsible for producing accurate, competitive tenders and estimates across our core service areas. Groundworks, earthworks, basements, site set-up and enabling, and civil engineering. Supporting the commercial team in securing new work and maintaining Naughton's reputation for quality, reliability, and value.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, well-substantiated cost estimates and tenders for groundworks, earthworks, basements, civil engineering, and site set-up/enabling projects.
• Analyse tender documents, drawings, and specifications to identify scope, risk, and opportunity.
• Source and evaluate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers to build competitive pricing.
• Prepare and present bid submissions, method statements, and pricing schedules to clients.
• Liaise with clients, designers, and internal project teams throughout the tender process.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving measures without compromising quality or safety.
• Support the commercial team with post-tender negotiations and handover to delivery teams.
• Maintain accurate records of historical pricing data, productivity rates, and market trends.
• Mentor and support junior estimators within the team.

Experience

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator within civil engineering, groundworks, or construction.
• Track record of successfully tendering for projects across residential, commercial, or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience estimating for data centre or industrial projects is an advantage.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of civil engineering, groundworks, and RC frame construction methods and costs.
• Familiarity with construction contracts (e.g. JCT, NEC) and tender processes.
• Sound knowledge of current market rates, materials, plant, and labour costs.
• Awareness of UK health & safety and regulatory requirements as they relate to estimating and project delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB, RICS) is desirable but not essential.
• Valid CSCS card.

Skills

• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office (particularly Excel).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present pricing clearly to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.
• Commercially astute, with sound negotiation skills and a proactive, problem‑solving approach.

Why Work for Us

• Join a young, ambitious, and fast-growing civil engineering company delivering complex projects across the UK and Europe.
• Be part of a business known for hitting deadlines, staying on budget, and delivering to the highest industry standards.
• Work on exciting, high-profile projects including advanced manufacturing and data centre developments.
• A professional, hands‑on team environment where your contribution is valued and your development supported.
• Genuine opportunity to grow with the company as it establishes itself as a leading player in the industry.

Naughton Contracts is an Equal Opportunities employer and does not discriminate against any protected characteristic.

Note for Recruitment Agencies: We are not using Recruitment Agencies for this role. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable.