Senior Estimator

Carmichael UK; Worthing; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Carmichael UK is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the pricing for a portfolio of water and utility projects across the UK. You will work with operational and bid teams to develop robust cost plans and competitive tenders.

The role requires experience in water infrastructure, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to manage multiple bids to deadlines. Carmichael UK offers challenging projects and a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Senior/Lead/Principal Estimator in water/utility/civil sectors.
• Strong knowledge of water infrastructure projects (treatment works, pipelines, drainage, wastewater).
• Experience pricing for major contractors or utility providers.
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of NEC contracts.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function on complex water and utilities tenders.
• Review tender documents, specs and scope requirements.
• Produce first-principles estimates and cost plans.
• Identify risks, opportunities and value engineering.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders for quotations.
• Support bid submissions and client presentations.
• Maintain estimating databases and benchmarking information.
• Mentor junior estimators and support team development.

Skills

Tendering

Cost estimation

Commercial awareness

NEC contracts

Stakeholder management

Leadership/mentoring

Water industry knowledge

Job description

Are you an experienced Senior Estimator looking to play a key role in delivering major water and utility infrastructure projects?

We are seeking a commercially astute and technically capable Senior Estimator to join a leading infrastructure contractor delivering projects across the UK water sector. This is an excellent opportunity to work on significant capital delivery programmes, including clean water, wastewater, treatment works, pipeline, drainage and broader utility infrastructure schemes.

The Role

As Senior Estimator, you will lead the preparation of accurate and competitive tenders for a diverse portfolio of water and utility projects. Working closely with operational, commercial and bid teams, you will develop robust pricing strategies and support the successful conversion of opportunities into secured work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function on complex water and utilities tenders.
• Review tender documentation, specifications and scope requirements.
• Produce first-principles estimates and detailed cost plans.
• Identify risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders to obtain competitive quotations.
• Support bid submissions and client presentations.
• Maintain and develop estimating databases and benchmarking information.
• Mentor junior estimators and support team development.

About You

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator, Lead Estimator or Principal Estimator within the water, utilities or civil engineering sector.
• Strong knowledge of water infrastructure projects, including treatment works, pipelines, drainage, wastewater and clean water schemes.
• Experience pricing projects for major contractors, frameworks or utility providers.
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of NEC contracts.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and work to challenging deadlines