Senior Estimator

J3a Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% car allowance

Company bonus scheme

Private healthcare

24 days' annual leave + bank holidays

Job summary

J3A Recruitment is seeking a Senior Estimator for civil engineering projects across the North West. You will prepare competitive tenders, review documentation, and develop first-principles estimates to support winning bids.

The role requires strong commercial judgement, extensive estimating experience in civil engineering, and familiarity with NEC/industry standards. A permanent, full-time position with growth opportunities across major infrastructure schemes.

Qualifications

• Five+ years estimating experience in civil engineering.
• Site-based civil engineering experience is preferred.
• HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience pricing infrastructure, highways, utilities, wastewater or reinforced concrete projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and cost plans from first principles.
• Review tender documents, drawings and specs.
• Perform quantity take-offs and assess project scope.
• Identify commercial risks, opportunities and value-engineering options.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries and quotations.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Analytical thinking

Tender strategy

Project management

Education

HNC/HND in Civil Engineering

Tools

Valsesco

Causeway

Conquest

Candy

Job description

Senior Estimator - Civil Engineering

Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: Up to £90,000
Package: 10% car allowance, company bonus, private healthcare and 24 days' holiday plus bank holidays
Employment: Permanent, full-time

J3A Recruitment is supporting a well-established civil engineering and infrastructure contractor in the appointment of an experienced Senior Estimator.

Operating across the North West, the business delivers essential projects within utilities, highways, wastewater and major infrastructure. With a strong pipeline of work secured through long-term frameworks and strategic client partnerships, this is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and highly regarded pre-construction team.

The Role

As Senior Estimator, you will take responsibility for preparing competitive and commercially robust tenders across a varied portfolio of civil engineering projects.

Working closely with the commercial, operational and bid teams, you will assess tender requirements, develop accurate first-principles estimates and help create winning tender strategies.

Key responsibilities for Senior Estimator

• Preparing detailed estimates and cost plans from first principles
• Reviewing tender documentation, drawings and specifications
• Completing quantity take-offs and assessing project scope
• Identifying commercial risks, opportunities and value-engineering solutions
• Managing subcontractor and supplier enquiries
• Analysing quotations and negotiating with the supply chain
• Assessing construction methodologies, resources and programme requirements
• Producing accurate, high-quality tender submissions
• Participating in tender reviews and project handovers
• Maintaining pricing databases and benchmarking information
• Supporting continuous improvement across the estimating function

About You

We are looking for an experienced civil engineering Estimator / Senior Estimator with strong technical knowledge, sound commercial judgement and the ability to manage complex tenders within challenging deadlines.

Ideally, you will have:

• At least five years' estimating experience within civil engineering
• A minimum of five years' previous site-based civil engineering experience
• An HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
• Experience pricing infrastructure, highways, utilities, wastewater or reinforced concrete projects
• Strong first-principles estimating capability
• Experience using estimating software such as Valesco, Causeway, Conquest or Candy
• A good understanding of CESMM, HMM/HWMM and SMM7
• Working knowledge of NEC contracts
• Strong commercial, analytical and supply-chain management skills

Experience working within framework environments or pricing projects for utilities, local authorities or aviation clients would be beneficial.

What's on Offer

• Salary of up to £90,000
• 10% car allowance
• Company bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• 24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Professional development and accredited training
• Genuine opportunities for career progression
• A strong pipeline of major infrastructure projects across the North West