Senior Estimator – Civil Engineering & Groundworks

Pwconstruct; Aylesford; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Life insurance

Wellness programmes

On-site parking

Company events

Job summary

PW Construction Recruitment is partnering with a Kent-based civil engineering and groundworks contractor to hire a Senior Estimator in Maidstone. You will lead bids from enquiry through submission, negotiate terms and handover to delivery teams, with close collaboration to commercial, contracts and procurement colleagues.

You will use Excel, Bluebeam and Candy Estimating Software to produce accurate take-offs and pricing, manage risks, and ensure timely tender submissions.

Qualifications

• Experienced Estimator or Senior Estimator with civil engineering/groundworks background.
• Capability to own a tender from enquiry to handover.
• Strong measurement and take-off skills with pricing risk awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and submission of estimates and bids.
• Review drawings, specs and tender docs; perform detailed take-offs.
• Coordinate with buying team for subcontractor rates and material schedules.
• Develop project programmes and risk management strategies for tenders.
• Attend site visits and liaise with clients and subcontractors to clarify terms.

Skills

Tendering

Bid leadership

Measurement

Take-offs

Communication

Excel

Bluebeam

Tools

Candy Estimating Software

Bluebeam PDF

Excel

Job description

Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum all-in package
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

PW Construction Recruitment is working with a highly established civil engineering and groundworks contractor in Maidstone, Kent, who is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to strengthen its pre-construction team.

This is a senior position within an established estimating department and would suit an experienced Estimator capable of taking the lead on competitive tenders from initial enquiry through to submission, negotiation, contract award and handover.

The company operates across the South East, delivering groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure and associated construction projects to a broad client base.

The Role

As Senior Estimator, you will take a leading role in the preparation and submission of accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders.

You will review tender documentation, undertake measurement and quantity take-offs, assess project risks, obtain subcontractor and supplier quotations and work closely with the commercial, contracts, engineering and procurement teams to establish the most appropriate methodology, programme and resources for each project.

You will be expected to understand the complete scope of works and identify potential commercial, contractual and delivery risks before submission.

Where required, you will undertake detailed measurement from tender drawings and prepare Bills of Quantities using an appropriate recognised method of measurement. Where take-offs are outsourced, you will coordinate the process to ensure accurate information is returned within the required tender programme.

Using Excel, Bluebeam and Candy estimating software, you will produce detailed take-offs and pricing information and ensure tenders are submitted accurately, professionally and within the client's required timescales.

Key Responsibilities

You will take the lead in preparing and submitting estimates, working collaboratively with the wider estimating team while assuming ownership of individual bids.

Responsibilities will include reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation; undertaking detailed measurement and take-offs; preparing material schedules; obtaining rates through the buying team; issuing subcontract package enquiries; analysing subcontractor returns; and incorporating appropriate quotations into the tender.

You will work closely with Contracts Managers to develop project programmes, construction sequences, scope, resource requirements, working methodologies and risk management strategies for inclusion within tender submissions.

The position will also involve organising and attending site visits with clients and subcontractors, reviewing contract terms and conditions and highlighting risks or anomalies to senior commercial management.

You will prepare and issue information to the engineering team to enable earthworks models to be developed, research construction materials and working methods and analyse anticipated resource levels ahead of tender adjudication.

Following submission, you will maintain dialogue with clients and contractors, respond to clarifications and amendments and work with the Commercial Director during post-tender discussions and negotiations through to contract award.

On successful tenders, you will provide a comprehensive handover to the delivery team, including tender summaries, marked-up drawings, measurements, Bills of Quantities and resource information. You will remain available to the site team throughout delivery to provide advice regarding tender coverage and the original pricing strategy.

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for an experienced Estimator or Senior Estimator with a strong background in civil engineering, groundworks, structures, formwork and concrete or another closely related sector.

You must be capable of taking ownership of a tender and leading a bid through the complete estimating process.

You should have strong measurement and take-off skills together with the commercial awareness required to identify contractual, programme and pricing risks.

Excellent communication skills are essential, as the role requires regular interaction with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and colleagues across estimating, commercial, contracts, procurement and operational teams.

Candidates should be organised, commercially astute and capable of producing accurate work while managing multiple deadlines within a fast-paced tendering environment.

A high level of computer literacy is required, including strong Microsoft Excel and Word skills and experience using Bluebeam PDF measurement software.

Working knowledge of Candy Estimating Software would be highly advantageous, although experience with a comparable construction estimating package will also be considered.

A full UK driving licence is essential, as the role will involve attending site surveys and tender meetings.

Package & Benefits

An all-in remuneration package of up to £70,000 per annum is available, dependent upon experience.

The company also offers pension, life insurance, wellness programmes, on-site parking and company events.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced civil engineering or groundworks Estimator looking to take a senior role within an established contractor, with the autonomy to lead bids and remain involved from initial tender through negotiation, award and handover.