Senior Estimator

Cruise Control Recruitment Ltd; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car / car allowance

Healthcare

Pension

Bonus scheme

Job summary

Cruise Control Recruitment Ltd is representing a leading UK civil engineering contractor seeking a Senior Estimator to lead high-value civils tenders in Solihull. The role focuses on strong technical pricing for groundworks, highways, drainage and RC structures, with ownership of tender results from first principles.

You will work closely with commercial, operational and design teams, use Candy (RIB CCS) or Conquest for BoQ and cost build-ups, and present estimates to directors.

Qualifications

• Proven track record pricing major civil engineering projects.
• Deep knowledge of bulk earthworks, groundworks, drainage, highways, RC structures.
• Experience with Candy (RIB CCS) or Conquest estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end tender preparation for major civils, earthworks, drainage, highways (S278), and RC structure packages.
• Utilise Candy (RIB CCS) or Conquest to generate detailed BoQ and cost build-ups.
• Conduct measurement and quantification of tender drawings and verify take-offs.
• Analyse labour, plant, material and prelim rates to reflect market conditions.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative tender solutions.
• Manage sub-contractor and supplier enquiry packages and review quotations.
• Lead internal launch and tender settlement meetings and present estimates to directors.
• Oversee post-tender client negotiations and handover to delivery teams.

Skills

Technical background

Commercial acumen

Contract awareness

Education

Degree/HND/HNC in Civil Engineering/QS/Construction Management

Tools

Candy (RIB CCS)

Conquest estimating software

Job description

Senior Estimator - Major Civils & Infrastructure

Location: Solihull, West Midlands

Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 + Competitive Benefits Package (Car Allowance, Pension, Healthcare)

Job Type: Permanent

Are you an experienced Senior Estimator with a strong technical background in groundworks, highways, drainage, and concrete structures? Looking to lead high-value civils tenders for a leading UK infrastructure specialist?

Our client is an established, tier-1 civil engineering and infrastructure main contractor with a reputation for delivering major groundworks, adoptable highways, deep drainage, and reinforced concrete (RC) frame packages across the UK. Due to sustained growth and a strong pipeline of regional infrastructure awards, they are seeking a Senior Estimator to join their pre-construction team in Solihull.

The Role

As Senior Estimator, you will take ownership of compiling accurate, competitive, and technically sound tenders for major civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Working closely with commercial, operational, and design teams, you will price schemes from first principles while maintaining strict bid governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end tender preparation process for major civils, earthworks, drainage, highways (S278), and RC structure packages.
• Utilize Candy (RIB CCS) or Conquest estimating software to generate detailed, error-free Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and cost build-ups.
• Conduct measurement and quantification of tender drawings, challenging external take-offs for accuracy and completeness.
• Analyse labor, plant, material, and preliminary rates, ensuring pricing reflects current market conditions and delivery outputs.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative tender solutions to maximize commercial competitiveness.
• Manage sub-contractor and supplier enquiry packages, reviewing quotations for technical and commercial compliance.
• Lead internal launch and tender settlement meetings, presenting completed estimates to directors and key stakeholders.
• Oversee post-tender client negotiations, tender queries, and structured handover processes to operational delivery teams.

Key Requirements

• Technical Background: Proven track record pricing major civil engineering projects, with deep technical knowledge of bulk earthworks, groundworks, adoptable drainage, highways, and RC structures.
• Software Proficiency: High level of experience using Candy (RIB CCS) or Conquest estimating software is essential.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong capability in first-principles rate build-ups, risk/opportunity analysis, and subcontractor analysis.
• Contract Awareness: Solid understanding of NEC3/NEC4 and JCT contract conditions within pre-construction phases.
• Qualifications: Degree, HND, or HNC in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Construction Management is preferred (Chartered status/ICE/RICS desirable).

What's on Offer

• Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 (dependent on experience)
• Package: Company car or generous car allowance, health cover, enhanced pension, and performance-related bonus scheme.
• Career Growth: Direct involvement in high-profile regional infrastructure tenders with a clear path toward Managing Estimator / Commercial Leadership.