Estimator Job Description:

Civil Engineering / Infrastructure / Rail

We are currently supporting a well-established and highly respected contractor in their search for an experienced Estimator to strengthen their commercial teams. Two roles are available, one in Sheffield and another in Leeds.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business delivering complex projects across the civil engineering, infrastructure, rail and specialist construction sectors. The successful candidate will play a key role in the pre-construction process, producing accurate and competitive cost plans, tender submissions, and pricing strategies that support continued project success.

Working closely with commercial, operational and technical teams, you will be responsible for developing detailed estimates, assessing project risks, and contributing to strategic tender decisions.

Key Responsibilities as an Estimator:

• Produce detailed cost plans and competitive tender submissions for a broad range of infrastructure and construction projects.
• Build estimates using first-principles pricing techniques, incorporating labour, plant, materials, subcontractor packages, logistics and productivity assumptions.
• Prepare and develop Schedules of Rates (SoR) based on resource analysis, construction methodology and benchmark pricing.
• Carry out detailed quantity take-offs from engineering drawings, specifications and technical documents using both digital and manual measurement methods.
• Review and interpret contract documents, bills of quantities, technical specifications and project scope information.
• Support the development of practical construction methodologies, sequencing plans, access strategies and temporary works considerations.
• Obtain and assess quotations from subcontractors, suppliers and specialist providers to ensure commercially robust tender submissions.
• Identify and evaluate commercial, technical, operational and programme risks, contributing to tender risk reviews and mitigation planning.
• Prepare tender clarifications, assumptions, qualifications and adjudication documentation.
• Work collaboratively with planning, engineering, operations and commercial teams to ensure proposals are practical, competitive and deliverable.
• Maintain and develop internal pricing databases, benchmark cost libraries and historical estimating records.
• Contribute to value engineering exercises and alternative construction solutions to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of NEC contracts, framework agreements and client-specific commercial requirements.
• Participate in tender review meetings, bid handovers and post-submission negotiations where required.
• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, management systems and industry best practice.
• Continuously develop technical estimating knowledge and remain informed of market trends, cost movements and sector developments.

Estimator Candidate Profile

We are keen to speak with Estimators who can demonstrate strong technical pricing capability alongside a practical understanding of construction delivery.

Qualifications

• HNC / HND / Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline
• Equivalent hands-on estimating experience will also be considered

Skills & Experience

• Experience preparing estimates within civil engineering, rail, infrastructure or multidisciplinary construction environments
• Strong understanding of first-principles estimating and resource-based pricing methodologies
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and contract documentation confidently
• Experience producing Bills of Quantities and/or Schedule of Rates
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and relevant estimating software packages
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tender deadlines
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

Knowledge

• Good understanding of civil engineering and/or rail construction techniques and delivery methods
• Familiarity with NEC contracts and framework-based project delivery environments
• Appreciation of tender risk management and value engineering principle

What’s on Offer

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Hybrid, flexible working (up to 2 days hybrid per week after probation)
• Pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Sick pay
• Paid volunteer days
• Ongoing training and development
• Clear progression opportunities
• Modern office environment and collaborative team culture

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company events
• Company pension
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Flexitime
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid volunteer time
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Work from home