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Lead Estimator
Lead Estimator – Colas Ltd, Solihull (B37 7YB)
About Colas Ltd
Colas Ltd is a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, operating in over 50 countries with over 55,000 employees worldwide, including over 1,500+ in the UK across multiple sites. As specialists in highways construction, we deliver large-scale projects in civil engineering, airfields, marine sectors, alongside highways maintenance services and innovative surfacing solutions. We are proud holders of a Gold Investor in People Award, recognised for our commitment to employee development and career growth.
🔥 Discover more about Colas Group.
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to lead the estimating function for civil engineering and highways infrastructure projects, both for external clients and internal business units. Based at our head office in Solihull (B37 7YB), this key leadership role is responsible for delivering high-quality, competitive, and compliant estimates that align with business objectives and client needs.
Core Responsibilities: The successful candidate will:
- Provide strategic leadership across tendering activities, from review to submission and beyond, ensuring ethical, best-practice compliance.
- Set governing processes for estimating, reviewing methodologies, pricing strategies, and risk/opportunity assessments for accuracy and competitiveness.
- Oversee tender governance, approvals, and sign-off, while fosting collaboration with commercial, operational, design, and procurement teams.
- Develop value-engineered solutions, price strategies, and risk management frameworks.
- Support client engagement, tender handover, and project deployment, building strong procurement relationships.
- Maintain estimating databases, cost libraries, and benchmarks, championing innovation.
- Mentor the estimating team, enhance health and safety culture, and ensure compliance with company policies.
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Main Responsibilities
- Lead preparation and delivery of accurate, compliant, and competitive tenders across civil/road projects.
- Provide strategic oversight of live bids, evaluating commercial risks, opportunities, and documentation.
- Establish and enforce estimating governance policies and improve pricing methodologies.
- Authorise risk/opportunity schedules and govern formal submissions within the organisation.
- Engage multidisciplinary teams and clients to drive collaborative decision-making.
- Maintain internal estimating systems and cost-baneoard accuracy.
- Promote process improvements, innovate practices, and support wide business strategy.
- Develop and mentor staff, ensuring a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and performance.
Ideal Candidate
We seek a rigorous and experiential professional with:
✔ A degree in Construction/Civil Engineering or related discipline (**Chartered status preferred*).
✔ Proven leadership in estimating and team development, in highways/civil sectors with substantial industry experience.
✔ Strong commercial acumen, analytical thinking, and attention to detail—balanced by a strategic mindset.
✔ Tech-savvy—proficient in estimating software and tools.
✔ Excellent communication, with stakeholder/relationship management experience in complex, fast-paced environments.
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✔ Resilience, adaptability, and solution-orientation—committed to continuous improvement.
✔ Full UK driving licence (mandatory).
Benefits Package
Colas offers a comprehensive and attractive total compensation package:
- Generous salary and core benefits
- Competitive pension scheme (up to 10% combined contributions)
- Life Assurance at x4 salary level
- 25 days’ annual leave (+ Public Holidays)
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Option (role-dependent)
- Fully funded professional qualification opportunities
- Ongoing personal/professional development tailored to your career goals
- Exclusive employee discounts (e.g., car leasing, holidays, cinema, dining) via our online benefits portal
Our Culture & Values
Colas Group values Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing, guiding our collaborative, inclusive, and growth-focused approach:
- Respect: Underpins all relationships, fostering fairness and openness.
- Commitment: Everyone is empowered to make meaningful change.
- Pioneering: We champion innovation, investing in people for sustainable infrastructure solutions.
- Sharing: Encourages trust and cross-functional collaboration.
We are an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity, and welcoming applications without favour—are you ready to flourish?
Notes for Recruitment Agencies:
- Colas Ltd prefers direct hiring; reviewing PSL agency applicants where applicable.
- Speculative agency CVs are not considered. No fee applies if sent involuntarily.
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