Full job descriptionSenior Estimator – Civil Engineering / Utilities

Location: Preston / Hybrid

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Sector: Civil Engineering / Utilities / Water

An established and growing infrastructure business with a strong
social purpose is looking to appoint an experienced Estimator to
join its Pre-Contract team at its head office in Preston.

The organisation delivers engineering, construction,
installation, commissioning and maintenance services across the
UK water and utilities sector. With a strong pipeline of work and
long-standing relationships with major water companies, this is
an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and supportive
team during a period of continued growth.

The Role

As a Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing
accurate and commercially sound estimates for civil engineering
and utilities projects. You will work closely with design and
delivery teams to develop effective construction methodologies,
identify risks and opportunities, and ensure tenders are
delivered to a high standard and within agreed deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

* Price civil engineering activities from first principles,
including labour, plant and materials.
* Analyse project information and undertake early appraisals
covering construction methodology, programme and management
requirements.
* Identify commercial risks and opportunities.
* Work with Design and Delivery teams to develop appropriate
delivery strategies.
* Challenge proposed designs and methodologies to identify
alternative construction methods, technologies and products.
* Prepare comprehensive net cost estimates, including
preliminaries.
* Present estimates at internal adjudication and incorporate
agreed amendments.
* Contribute to the development of the overall commercial
approach.
* Review initial project appraisals against post-contract
performance.
* Manage workload effectively and work flexibly within available
resources.
* Demonstrate strong commercial awareness throughout the
estimating process.

About You

You will be an experienced Estimator with a background in civil
engineering, infrastructure, utilities or a related sector. You
will have strong knowledge of market rates and the ability to
build accurate estimates from first principles.

You will be methodical, organised and commercially minded, with
the ability to manage competing priorities and meet regular
tender deadlines. Strong communication and interpersonal skills
are essential, as you will work closely with internal teams,
partners and other stakeholders.

Ideally, you will have:

* Experience with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 infrastructure/main
contractor, ideally within civil engineering, utilities or water.
* Proven experience in estimating and pricing projects.
* Strong IT, numeracy and Microsoft Office skills, particularly
Excel.
* Experience assembling estimates with or without dedicated
estimating software.
* Good knowledge of pricing and quantification methodologies.
* Knowledge of best-practice construction solutions and
innovative approaches to project delivery.
* Strong commercial awareness.
* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills,
particularly when working under time pressure.
* Membership of, or a relevant qualification from, a professional
body such as RICS, CIOB, RIBA, ICE or CIBSE would be desirable.
* Knowledge of BES would be advantageous.

What’s on Offer?

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and a
comprehensive benefits package, including:

* 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with
service.
* 6.5% employer pension contribution.
* Optional private healthcare, with the option to include family
members.
* Company sick pay.
* Group Income Protection.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility,
compassionate and bereavement leave.
* Hybrid and flexible working.
* Extensive learning and development opportunities.
* Free on-site gym.
* Company Doctor and 24/7 Virtual GP services.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Dedicated mental health and wellbeing support.
* Employee savings scheme.
* Long-service and special occasion recognition awards.
* A comprehensive health and wellbeing programme covering
physical, emotional, financial and career wellbeing.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join an organisation where commercial
success and social value go hand in hand. The business operates
with a long-term focus, investing in its people, communities and
future growth.

If you’re an experienced Estimator looking for a role where you
can make a genuine contribution, work alongside an experienced
team and develop your career within the infrastructure and
utilities sector, we’d be keen to hear from you.