Hays
Estimator - Civil Engineering

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Your new company
You will be joining a well-established and highly respected civil engineering contractor based in Birmingham operating predominantly across the aviation and highways sectors. Known for their technical expertise, collaborative culture, and commitment to quality, they continue to secure repeat business from major clients and framework partners, offering employees the opportunity to work on diverse, high-profile projects that have a lasting impact on the built environment. As part of their continued growth, they are actively seeking an Estimator to join their pre-contract team.
This is a full-time permanent position based out of their Birmingham office with hybrid working.
Your new role
As an Estimator, you will take ownership of preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for a variety of civil engineering projects. Working closely with operational, commercial, and supply chain teams, you will assess tender opportunities, identify project risks and opportunities, and develop pricing strategies that support successful bid submissions.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for civil engineering projects
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, and contract documentation
- Obtaining and analysing quotations from suppliers and subcontractors
- Conducting site visits and assessing project requirements
- Identifying commercial risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions
- Developing pricing schedules, cash flows, and tender programmes
- Collaborating with project delivery teams to ensure smooth handovers following contract award
- Supporting continuous improvement of estimating processes and bid strategies
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll need to succeed
In order to be successful, you must have:
- Previous experience as an Estimator within the civil engineering industry
- Strong understanding of tendering processes and cost planning
- Experience reviewing drawings, specifications, and contract documentation
- Sound analytical and numerical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software
- Full UK driving licence
What you'll get in return
In return, you will receive:
- Negotiable starting salary (dependent on experience)
- Company car or car allowance
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Matched company pension scheme
- Hybrid working (2 days' remote per week) and flexible working arrangements
- Fuel card
- Private health insurance
- Company social events and volunteering initiatives
- Clear pathways for career progression and professional development
- Exposure to high-profile and rewarding projects
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
- Opportunity to grow and progress your career with an employee-first and family-owned principal contractor and more.


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What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role and meet the criteria above, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Please note: applicants must hold existing UK work authorisation; visa sponsorship cannot be provided for this position.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
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