SSA Recruitment UK
Senior Estimator
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Senior Estimator
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our growing Civil Engineering team. The successful candidate will play a key role within the pre-construction function, leading the preparation of competitive and commercially robust tenders across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects valued up to £75 million.
Projects will include highways, enabling works, deep drainage, Energy from Waste (EfW) infrastructure, rail and major civil engineering schemes for both public and private sector clients. You will be responsible for managing the full estimating process from initial enquiry through to tender submission, working closely with operational, commercial and design teams to develop winning bid strategies and deliver accurate, risk-adjusted cost plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the preparation of estimates and tender submissions for projects ranging from £1m to £75m.
- Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and contract requirements.
- Develop detailed cost estimates, pricing models and tender strategies.
- Prepare and issue subcontractor and supplier enquiries.
- Analyse subcontractor quotations and undertake detailed commercial comparisons.
- Identify project risks, opportunities, constraints and value engineering proposals.
- Produce first-principles estimates for labour, plant, materials and subcontract works.
- Develop preliminary construction methodologies and programmes in conjunction with delivery teams.
- Attend site visits, tender interviews and client engagement meetings.
- Support negotiation and contract award processes.
- Maintain and develop estimating databases, benchmarking information and historical cost records.
- Work collaboratively with project managers, planners, engineers and commercial teams during bid preparation.
- Mentor and support junior estimators and assistant estimators.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating and pre-construction function.
- Ensure all bids are prepared in accordance with company governance procedures and quality standards.
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Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum 8-10 years' estimating experience within the civil engineering and infrastructure sector.
- Proven track record of successfully pricing and securing projects up to £75m in value.
- Strong experience across one or more of the following sectors:
- Highways
- Enabling works
- Deep drainage and utilities
- Energy from Waste (EfW)
- Rail infrastructure
- Major civil engineering projects
- Strong understanding of NEC forms of contract.
- Ability to prepare detailed first-principles estimates.
- Experience using industry estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong commercial acumen and financial awareness.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Full UK driving licence.
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Desirable Experience
- Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or similar discipline.
- Experience working with Tier 1 or leading regional civil engineering contractors.
- Knowledge of Network Rail standards and procedures.
- Experience of Design & Build procurement routes.
- Working knowledge of BIM and digital construction processes.
- Membership of a relevant professional institution (ICE, CIOB, RICS or similar).
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and numerical skills.
- Commercially astute with excellent attention to detail.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify competitive advantages.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and to strict deadlines.
- Strong leadership and team collaboration capabilities.
- Solution-focused with a proactive approach to problem solving.
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