Hays
Senior Estimator - Water

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Your new company
You will be joining a highly respected and award-winning civil engineering contractor based in Leicester operating within the water industry. This well-established design and build contractor specialises in the delivery of clean and wastewater infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects for major water providers, including the likes of Severn Trent Water, and offers excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development. They have built long-standing relationships with key clients through their collaborative approach and commitment to quality, and as part of their continued growth, they are actively seeking a Senior Estimator to join their pre-construction team.
This is a full-time permanent position based out of their Leicester office.
Your new role
As a Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for producing accurate and competitive estimates for a range of water projects from initial enquiry through to tender submission.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing the full tendering process from receipt of enquiry to final submission
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation
- Producing detailed cost estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure schemes
- Obtaining and evaluating quotations from subcontractors and suppliers
- Identifying project risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions
- Collaborating with operational, commercial and pre-construction teams to develop winning tender strategies
- Preparing tender reports, bid documentation and presentation materials
- Supporting client engagement and attending pre-tender and post-tender meetings where required
- Maintaining awareness of market conditions, pricing trends and supply chain capabilities.
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.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
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:
- Experience estimating within the water (clean and/or waste) industry
- Proven ability to prepare competitive tenders on projects of varying size and complexity
- Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
- Proficiency with standard estimating software and Microsoft Office applications
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Candidates from a Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor background are encouraged to apply.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will receive:
- Starting salary up to £85,000 per annum (negotiable depending on experience)
- Company vehicle (with fuel card) or car allowance (£6,500 per annum)
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension
- Bonus
- Private health insurance
- Continuous training and development
- Exposure to high-profile and rewarding projects
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
- Clear pathways for professional development and career progression
- Opportunity to make an impact with a growing and highly successful contractor and more.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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 email a copy to james.mayfield- quoting job reference #4782432.
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
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills