Senior Estimator

VolkerWessels UK; Hoddesdon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Birthday leave

Private medical care

Pension

Job summary

VolkerHighways, part of VolkerWessels UK, seeks a Senior Estimator in Hoddesdon to lead tender pricing for highways projects and maintenance contracts. You will interpret complex tender documents, price from first principles, and collaborate with commercial teams to win profitable work.

The role requires proven highways estimation experience, strong client-facing skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Experience estimating highways or civil works.
• Proven track record securing profitable contracts.
• Strong tender handover and delivery to delivery teams.
• Excellent presentation and client-facing communication.
• Collaborative mindset and team leadership.
• Solid understanding of contract conditions, specs & drawings.
• IT skills including estimating software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate tenders for capital projects and maintenance contracts.
• Manage key tender bids and ensure timely submissions.
• Interpret technical, commercial, and contractual requirements in tender documentation.
• Review and prepare tender pricing (including from first principles) for highways term maintenance contracts and schemes.
• Complete tender reviews and attend stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance requirements related to estimating.
• Compile and reconcile material and subcontract quotation enquiries.
• Complete tender handovers for awarded contracts and assist the Commercial team.
• Compare final contract costs against tender allowances.
• Develop and implement pricing strategies to maximise opportunities for winning work.
• Deliver comprehensive estimating services in line with company policies and procedures.
• Actively pursue alternatives and innovative solutions.
• Review and propose improvements to purchasing processes.
• Develop supply chain policy and philosophy with the Business Manager.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Pricing

Client liaison

Tools

Estimating software

MS Office

Job description

VolkerHighways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities.

We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in-house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in-house contracts.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Estimator to join our growing team at VolkerHighways in Hodlesdon. This role is pivotal in supporting the business to achieve its turnover and profitability targets through accurate pricing and successful tendering.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate tenders for capital projects and maintenance contracts.
• Manage key tender bids and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Interpret technical, commercial, and contractual requirements in tender documentation.
• Review and prepare tender pricing (including from first principles) for:
• Highway Term Maintenance contracts (up to £30m-£50m per annum).
• Schemes and projects up to £10m.
• Traffic management works.
• Complete tender reviews and attend Stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure compliance with all quality assurance requirements related to estimating.
• Compile and reconcile material and subcontract quotation enquiries.
• Complete tender handovers for awarded contracts and assist the Commercial team as required.
• Compare final contract costs against tender allowances.
• Develop and implement pricing strategies to maximise opportunities for winning work.
• Deliver comprehensive estimating services in line with company policies and procedures.
• Actively pursue alternatives and innovative solutions.

Procurement Function

• Review and propose improvements to purchasing processes.
• Develop supply chain policy and philosophy in collaboration with the Business Manager.

About You

• Proven experience in estimating within highways or similar civil engineering projects.
• Track record of securing profitable contracts and contributing to business growth.
• Strong skills in tender handover and ensuring smooth transitions to delivery teams.
• Excellent presentation and communication abilities, confident in client-facing situations.
• Collaborative mindset - a team player and motivator who inspires others.
• Solid understanding of contract conditions, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• IT proficiency, including estimating software and Microsoft Office tools.

Why work with us?

VolkerHighways is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerHighways are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

We Offer a Range Of Benefits, Including

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
• Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefit
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance programme
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service

Fairness, inclusion and respect

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.

VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.