Senior Estimator

Caddick Civil Engineering; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Caddick Civil Engineering; part of the Caddick Construction Group, seeks a Senior Estimator to lead tendering and pre-construction activities in a dynamic, family-owned business. You will prepare detailed estimates, analyse drawings, liaise with tender teams, and shape pricing strategies to win work.

The role emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and career development within a growing civil engineering team. On-site work and cross-functional engagement are expected.

Qualifications

• Proven experience producing competitive tenders within the construction industry.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction processes.
• Experience of both two-stage and single-stage design and build tenders.
• Strong analytical and numerical ability, with excellent attention to detail.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tenders to tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Confident in the use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience using estimating and take-off software such as Conquest and Bluebeam (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates in accordance with Company procedures and policies.
• Ensure all tenders are completed accurately, comprehensively and submitted on time.
• Study tender documentation including drawings, specifications and employer’s requirements.
• Liaise closely with Line Manager and tender teams to agree construction methodology, pricing strategy and tender principles.
• Identify client requirements and develop competitive tender solutions to meet them.
• Identify, evaluate and manage commercial and delivery risks, ensuring appropriate allowances are included.
• Maintain a detailed register of estimating assumptions and risk allowances.
• Develop construction methodologies and assess programme requirements to achieve efficient and cost-effective resource levels.
• Calculate net project costs from first principles.
• Provide indicative pricing support where required.
• Identify temporary works and design requirements.
• Arrange site visits and hold discussions with key subcontractors and suppliers.
• Assist with budget pricing and early-stage feasibility assessments when required.
• Prepare detailed adjudication packs for management review.
• Present tender submissions, outlining assumptions, risks and opportunities.
• Maintain records of adjudication meetings and close out actions.
• Support commercial negotiations and tender clarifications.
• Attend tender handover meetings and provide ongoing support to project delivery teams.

Skills

Tendering

Commercial awareness

Two-stage tenders

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Communication

Excel

Education

BTEC/HNC/HND or Degree in Quantity Surveying

Tools

Conquest

Bluebeam

Job description

Summary

Caddick Civil Engineering is part of the Caddick Construction Group which is a family-owned business renowned for quality, integrity, and innovation in the construction sector. Our Civil Engineering business is looking for a Senior Estimator to join the team.

At Caddick Civil Engineering, we value our people and prioritize collaboration, transparency, and career development. This is an excellent opportunity to become a vital part of our growing team.

What You’ll Do

Tender

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates in accordance with Company procedures and policies.


• Ensure all tenders are completed accurately, comprehensively and submitted on time.


• Study tender documentation including drawings, specifications and employer’s requirements.


• Liaise closely with Line Manager and tender teams to agree construction methodology, pricing strategy and tender principles.


• Identify client requirements and develop competitive tender solutions to meet them.


• Identify, evaluate and manage commercial and delivery risks, ensuring appropriate allowances are included.


• Maintain a detailed register of estimating assumptions and risk allowances.


• Develop construction methodologies and assess programme requirements to achieve efficient and cost-effective resource levels.


• Calculate net project costs from first principles.


• Provide indicative pricing support where required.


• Identify temporary works and design requirements.


• Arrange site visits and hold discussions with key subcontractors and suppliers.


• Assist with budget pricing and early-stage feasibility assessments when required.


• Prepare detailed adjudication packs for management review.


• Present tender submissions, outlining assumptions, risks and opportunities.


• Maintain records of adjudication meetings and close out actions.


• Support commercial negotiations and tender clarifications.

Pre-Construction / Contract Award

• Prepare comprehensive estimating handover packs following successful tenders.


• Attend and document tender handover meetings.


• Provide ongoing support to project delivery teams throughout the construction phase.


• Obtain feedback from site teams to support continuous improvement of estimating accuracy and methodology.

What We’re Looking For

Skills and Experience

Proven experience producing competitive tenders within the construction industry.

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction processes.


• Experience of both two-stage and single-stage design and build tenders.


• Strong analytical and numerical ability, with excellent attention to detail.


• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tenders to tight deadlines.


• Strong communication and influencing skills.


• Confident in the use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.


• Experience using estimating and take-off software such as Conquest and Bluebeam (desirable).

Qualifications

• BTEC, HNC, HND or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building Studies, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.


• Significant experience in estimating and tender management

Personal Attributes

• Highly numerate and detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.


• Confident communicator with the ability to collaborate across teams.


• Strong time management and organisational skills.


• Able to work under pressure and to deadlines.

Why Join Caddick Construction?

Competitive Compensation And Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits to support your career.

Career Growth

As part of a growing organisation, you’ll have clear opportunities for professional development and progression.

A People-Centred Approach

We prioritise collaboration, integrity and long-term partnerships, making Caddick Group a great place to grow your career.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Caddick is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Caddick Construction Group is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

Caddick Group Benefits

• Health and Wellbeing programme


• Employee Assistance Programme


• Birthday Day Off


• Additional Annual Leave Purchase Scheme


• Discount on shopping etc


• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave


• Ride to Work Scheme


• Salary sacrifice Pension


• Private Healthcare & Medicash


• Death in service