Estimator – Civil Engineering & Water Infrastructure

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Estimator with a background in construction, civil engineering or infrastructure, ideally with exposure to the water and wastewater sector.

You will have a strong understanding of estimating processes, cost planning and tender preparation, alongside the ability to work collaboratively with operational and commercial teams.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate strong commercial awareness, attention to detail and the ability to produce competitive and technically sound tender submissions.

Candidates based across Southern and South East England will be considered, with flexibility around office, home and site-based working.

Key Responsibilities

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Prepare accurate cost estimates for civil engineering, infrastructure and water-related projects.

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Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and project scope requirements and prepare tender clarifications, qualifications and supporting documentation.

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Undertake detailed quantity take-offs and measurements.

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Obtain, assess and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.

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Prepare competitive tender submissions, ensuring accurate costings and identifying commercial risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions.

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Work with operational teams to understand construction methodologies, sequencing and project delivery requirements and liaise with clients, suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process.

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Ensure estimates reflect current market rates, resource requirements and construction methodologies and support project handovers and maintain accurate estimating records, cost databases and historical pricing information.

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Contribute to continuous improvements within the estimating and tendering function.

Essential Skills & Experience

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Previous estimating experience within construction, civil engineering or infrastructure.

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Strong understanding of construction costs, materials, labour, plant and subcontractor pricing and ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and tender documentation.

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Experience in detailed cost analysis and preparing tender submissions and strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction methodologies.

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Excellent numerical, analytical and organisational skills with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tender opportunities and meet tight deadlines.

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Strong communication, negotiation and collaboration skills and flexibility to travel across Southern and South East England when required.

Desirable Skills & Experience

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Experience within water and wastewater, including treatment works, pumping stations, pipelines and water networks.

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Experience estimating civil engineering projects involving groundworks, reinforced concrete, drainage and associated infrastructure.

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Knowledge of framework agreements, competitive tender processes and NEC contracts.

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Experience using estimating software and digital measurement tools.

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Previous experience working for a civil engineering contractor.

Personal Attributes

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Commercially aware, analytical and detail-oriented, with a strong understanding of project costs and profitability.

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Proactive in identifying commercial opportunities and potential project risks.

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Confident communicator, comfortable liaising with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.

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Organised and capable of managing multiple priorities and tender deadlines.

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Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work across different business functions in a fast-paced pre-construction environment.

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Motivated, accountable and committed to delivering accurate work and contributing to team success.

Salary & Benefits / Working Arrangements

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Permanent opportunity with competitive salary, dependent on experience.

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Hybrid working arrangement combining office, site and home working.

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Flexibility around working location and regional travel.

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Opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of civil engineering, water and infrastructure projects