Senior Estimator - Michels Trenchless

EWI Recruitment; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

EWI Recruitment seeks an experienced Senior Estimator to support the delivery of complex trenchless construction and infrastructure bids in the United States. You will prepare accurate cost plans, take-offs, rates and resource schedules for tunnelling, directional drilling, pipe jacking, shaft construction and rehabilitation works.

Working with project managers, subcontractors and clients, you will identify risks, opportunities and exclusions, develop tender strategies and conduct

Qualifications

• Substantial estimating experience within trenchless technology, underground construction, utilities or related civil environment.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, contracts, procurement and commercial risk.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and use estimating or project management software.

Responsibilities

• Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and site information to identify risks and opportunities.
• Prepare detailed cost plans, rates, take-offs and resource schedules.
• Obtain quotations from suppliers and subcontractors and evaluate them.
• Contribute to tender strategy, programme development and value engineering.
• Support handover to delivery team once a bid is secured.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Cost planning

Take-offs

Negotiation

Value engineering

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Quantity Surveying degree

Construction Management degree

Tools

Estimating software

Project management software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to support the delivery of complex trenchless construction and infrastructure projects. This role will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive and commercially sound estimates for a range of works, including tunnelling, directional drilling, pipe jacking, shaft construction, rehabilitation and associated civil engineering activities. You will work closely with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers and clients to develop a clear understanding of project requirements and ensure bids are completed to a consistently high standard.

Your responsibilities will include reviewing tender documentation, drawings, specifications and site information; identifying project risks, opportunities, exclusions and assumptions; preparing detailed cost plans, rates, take-offs and resource schedules; and obtaining and evaluating quotations from suppliers and subcontractors. You will contribute to tender strategy, programme development, value engineering and constructability reviews, while ensuring all estimates reflect current market conditions, labour requirements, plant, materials, logistics, overheads and margins. You will also maintain accurate estimating records, support tender presentations and assist with handover to the delivery team once work has been secured.

The successful candidate will have substantial estimating experience within trenchless technology, underground construction, utilities, tunnelling or a closely related civil engineering environment. A strong understanding of construction methods, contracts, procurement and commercial risk is essential, along with the ability to interpret technical documentation and use estimating or project management software. You will be highly analytical, commercially aware and confident working to demanding deadlines, with excellent communication and negotiation skills. The role requires someone who can work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team, demonstrate sound judgement and maintain accuracy across multiple bids. Relevant qualifications in civil engineering, quantity surveying, construction management or a related discipline would be advantageous.