Senior Estimator

J3a Recruitment; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A major player in the UK water sector is seeking a Senior Estimator (Electrical) to lead estimating on significant projects. This position requires over 10 years of experience in the water sector, with a strong commercial acumen to manage bids up to £30 million. The successful candidate will be involved in risk management, value engineering, and collaboration across teams to deliver winning projects. This is a hybrid position offering a salary of £80,000 - £85,000 plus extensive benefits.

Benefits

26 days holiday

Private medical cover

Defined contribution pension scheme

Life assurance

Professional membership fees covered

Discounts & perks across retail and travel

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in a similar role within the water sector.
• Proven background estimating projects up to £30 million.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (IMechE, IET, MICE, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical estimating for major water projects.
• Review tender documentation for risks and opportunities.
• Prepare competitive bids collaborating with teams.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Commercial acumen

Risk management

Value engineering

Education

Degree in a MEICA-related discipline

Tools

Conquest estimating software

Job description

Senior Estimator (Electrical) - Water Sector

£80,000 - £85,000 + benefits

South Yorkshire (Hybrid)

J3A Recruitment are on the lookout for a Senior Estimator (electrical) to join a major player in the UK water industry. This is a key role within the Pre‑Construction team, focused on delivering accurate and competitive tenders across AMP 8 frameworks with clients like Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, South West Water, and Severn Trent.

This isn't just another estimating role – you'll be shaping the numbers, strategies, and technical solutions that win multi‑million‑pound projects and keep the water industry moving.

What you'll be doing as a Senior Estimator

• Leading the electrical estimating side of major water projects (MEICA focus).
• Reviewing tender documentation, spotting risks and opportunities early.
• Preparing competitive bids, working with subcontractors, suppliers, and in‑house teams.
• Producing accurate estimates from first principles.
• Supporting with design input – including P&IDs and SLDs for treatment projects.
• Value engineering and risk management to ensure profitable, efficient solutions.
• Attending site visits, client meetings, and settlement reviews.
• Collaborating with civil, process, and commercial teams to deliver winning submissions.

What we're looking for as a Senior Estimator

• Degree in a MEICA‑related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years' experience in a similar role within the water sector.
• Proven background estimating projects up to £30 m.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (IMechE, IET, MICE, etc.).
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to build estimates from scratch.
• Knowledge of different procurement models (Design & Build, Two‑Stage, Frameworks, etc.).
• Bonus points if you've used Conquest or other estimating software, have BIM awareness, or strong supplier relationships.

What's on offer for the Senior Estimator

• £80 k - £85 k salary + package.
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays (with option to buy/sell).
• Private medical cover.
• Defined contribution pension scheme (up to 8% match).
• Life assurance.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave.
• 2 volunteering days + long service rewards.
• Hybrid working (role dependent).
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work, critical illness, dental & travel insurance.
• Professional membership fees covered.
• Discounts & perks across retail, travel, fitness, and more.

If you're a Senior Estimator

💡 If you're a Senior Estimator who knows the water industry inside out and you want to take on AMP 8 head‑on, this is your chance.

👉 Apply now or drop me a message if you'd like a confidential chat.