Senior Estimator

Bethell Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bethell Construction in the North West is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Estimator to join our Pre-Construction team, handling tendering across civil engineering and infrastructure projects. You will work with commercial, operations and business development, interpret tender requirements, produce robust cost estimates, and develop high-quality submissions to support the company's growth.

The role demands strong technical understanding, commercial acumen and ability to build

Qualifications

• HNC or HND in Civil Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' estimating experience within civil engineering.
• Minimum 5 years' site-based civil engineering experience.
• Experience pricing infrastructure, highways, wastewater, utilities or reinforced concrete projects.
• Experience using estimating software and knowledge of CESMM, HMM/HWMM and SMM7; familiarity with NEC contracts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and cost plans from first principles.
• Review tender documentation and assess project scope, risks and opportunities.
• Undertake quantity take-offs from drawings, specifications and project information.
• Compile and manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries.
• Evaluate quotations and negotiate with supply chain partners to secure best value.
• Prepare tender submissions in line with client requirements and deadlines.
• Work collaboratively with commercial, operational and bid teams to develop winning tender strategies.
• Assess construction methodologies, resource requirements and project risks.
• Support value engineering initiatives and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate estimating records, pricing databases and benchmarking information.
• Participate in tender review meetings and project handovers to operational teams.

Skills

Estimating experience

Bid preparation

Commercial analysis

Stakeholder management

Cost planning

Value engineering

Tender strategy

Pricing strategies

Quantity take-offs

Risk & opportunity assessment

Education

HNC/HND in Civil Engineering

Tools

Valesco

Causeway

Conquest

Candy

Job description

Positions Available: Multiple Opportunities

Helping Secure the Future of Infrastructure Across the North West

For over 160 years, Bethell Construction has been delivering essential civil engineering and infrastructure projects across the North West. As one of the region's leading civil engineering and utility services contractors, we continue to grow through long-term framework agreements and strategic partnerships with major clients including utilities, local authorities, aviation and infrastructure organisations.

As part of our continued expansion, we are looking to recruit an experienced Senior Estimator / Estimator to join our Pre-Construction team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in securing future projects and contributing to the continued success of our business.

The Role

As a Senior Estimator / Estimator, you will be responsible for the preparation of competitive and commercially robust tenders across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

Working closely with operational, commercial and business development teams, you will interpret tender requirements, develop accurate cost estimates and produce high-quality submissions that support the company's growth objectives.

This role requires a strong technical understanding of civil engineering works, excellent commercial awareness and the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and cost plans from first principles.
• Review tender documentation and assess project scope, risks and opportunities.
• Undertake quantity take-offs from drawings, specifications and project information.
• Compile and manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries.
• Evaluate quotations and negotiate with supply chain partners to secure best value.
• Prepare tender submissions in line with client requirements and submission deadlines.
• Work collaboratively with commercial, operational and bid teams to develop winning tender strategies.
• Assess construction methodologies, resource requirements and project risks.
• Support value engineering initiatives and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate estimating records, pricing databases and benchmarking information.
• Participate in tender review meetings and project handovers to operational teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating function.

About You

We are looking for a driven and commercially astute estimator with experience within civil engineering and infrastructure projects. You will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively under pressure to meet tender deadlines.

You will enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team while taking ownership of your own projects and contributing to successful business growth.

• HNC or HND in Civil Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' estimating experience within the civil engineering sector.
• Minimum 5 years' site‑based civil engineering experience.
• Experience pricing infrastructure, highways, wastewater, utilities or reinforced concrete projects.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness.
• Experience using estimating software such as: Valesco, Causeway, Conquest, Candy
• Excellent understanding of CESMM, Highway Method of Measurement (HMM/HWMM) and SMM7.
• Working knowledge of NEC contracts.
• Experience working within framework environments.
• Previous experience on utility, local authority or airport infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of modern construction methods and value engineering techniques.
• Infrastructure & Highways Projects
• Wastewater & Utility Infrastructure
• Quantity Take‑Offs
• Bid Preparation & Submission
• Commercial Analysis
• Supply Chain Procurement
• Risk & Opportunity Assessment
• NEC Contracts
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Estimating Software (Valesco, Causeway, Conquest, Candy)
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will be highly organised, commercially focused and motivated by delivering successful tender outcomes. You'll be able to analyse complex project information, identify risks and opportunities and produce accurate cost estimates within challenging timescales.

You will be a proactive team player with strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge assumptions, add value and influence decision‑making throughout the tender process.

Why Join Bethell?

At Bethell, we recognise that our people are the foundation of our success. We invest in professional development, accredited training and career progression opportunities, creating an environment where talented individuals can thrive.

As an Investors in People and Workplace Wellbeing Charter accredited organisation, we are committed to supporting employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion while offering the opportunity to work on some of the North West's most important infrastructure projects.

Bethell Construction is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.