Senior Estimator

First Recruitment Group; Runshaw Moor; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering firm is seeking a Senior Estimator to join their Preconstruction team. The role involves pricing civil engineering activities, developing construction programmes, and compiling cost estimates. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the civil engineering sector, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to build cost estimates from first principles. You will receive a competitive salary, car allowance, and benefits including a pension contribution and the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

Generous pension contribution

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work culture

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in estimating and tendering in civil engineering.
• Ability to build up cost estimates from first principles.
• Confident to challenge methodologies and suggest alternatives.

Responsibilities

• Price civil engineering activities from first principles.
• Develop construction programmes and sequences.
• Compile detailed and accurate cost estimates.

Skills

Strong background in civil engineering

Cost estimating from first principles

Knowledge of drainage and earthworks

Familiarity with tendering processes

Proficiency in estimating tools

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Senior Estimator - Civil Engineering

Permanent role - Preston (Hybrid)

Competitive Salary plus benefits

We are currently working with a Civil Engineering business who are leaders in their field, involved in Projects across the Northwest. They are looking for a commercially astute Senior Estimator to join their Preconstruction team.

You'll work closely with internal design, delivery, and commercial teams, as well as liaise with the supply chain, to ensure competitive and technically robust submissions. Your ability to identify risks, spot opportunities, and develop alternative construction strategies will be key to our continued success.

Key Responsibilities

• Price civil engineering activities (e.g., earthworks, drainage, ducting, paving) from first principles, including labour, plant, and materials.
• Develop construction programmes and sequences.
• Identify win themes and drive the overall bid process across multiple contributors.
• Challenge proposed methodologies to explore alternative, cost‑effective solutions.
• Compile detailed and accurate net cost estimates, including prelims and subcontract packages.
• Prepare and issue subcontract enquiries, liaising with supply chain and analysing returns.
• Present estimates at internal adjudications and adjust as required.
• Ensure timely submission of tenders, fully meeting client specifications and requirements.
• Provide commercial input and strategic insights to improve bid competitiveness.
• Review project appraisals and contribute lessons learned post‑contract.

What We're Looking For

• Strong background in civil engineering sector with demonstrable experience in estimating and tendering.
• Ability to build up cost estimates from first principles.
• Knowledge of various civil disciplines including drainage, earthworks, utilities, and hard landscaping.
• Familiarity with tendering processes, construction sequencing, and programme development.
• Proficiency in estimating tools and scheduling software.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a keen commercial mindset.
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities, both written and verbal.
• Confidence to challenge methodologies and propose alternative approaches.

What you will get in return

As a valued member of our preconstruction team, you'll have the opportunity to influence the success of high‑profile civil engineering projects from day one.

On offer is a collaborative work culture, professional development opportunities, and a strong pipeline of varied and exciting schemes.

In return for our hard work, you will receive a competitive salary, car allowance and great benefits including a generous pension contribution and hybrid working.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for Estimators looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.