Senior Estimator in Brighton, East Sussex

Fawkes & Reece are working with an established civil engineering and groundworks contractor who are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join their team based in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex.

The business delivers a diverse range of projects across the commercial, residential and infrastructure sectors, including airport facilities, stadium developments, water treatment plants, residential developments and commercial groundworks.

With an established client base, long-term contracts and a strong pipeline of upcoming work, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator to take ownership of the tendering process and play a key role in securing new projects.

The successful candidate will ideally come from a regional civil engineering or groundworks contractor, with hands-on experience pricing a variety of smaller to medium-sized schemes, rather than exclusively working on major infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission, preparing accurate and competitive estimates for civil engineering, groundworks, commercial and residential projects. This will involve reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation, assessing labour, plant, material and subcontractor costs, and obtaining competitive quotations in collaboration with the purchasing and management teams. They will also identify project risks, cost-saving opportunities and value engineering solutions, while contributing to tender reviews and adjudications alongside senior management. The role will require close collaboration with internal teams, clients, consultants and subcontractors, as well as supporting the development of existing client relationships and identifying new tender opportunities.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within a civil engineering or groundworks contractor.
• Ideally a background working for a regional or specialist contractor, pricing multiple projects across a variety of sectors.
• Strong technical understanding of civil engineering construction methods, materials and associated costs.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Good commercial awareness, with the ability to identify risks and opportunities within tenders.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Confident communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build relationships across the supply chain.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and relevant estimating software.
• A proactive, organised and self-motivated approach, with the ability to manage tenders independently.
• Willingness to work from the Brighton and Hove office five days per week.

The role offers a competitive salary of £75,000 - £100,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus an additional benefits package. This is an excellent opportunity to join an established contractor with a strong pipeline of secured and upcoming work across the commercial, residential and civil engineering sectors. The successful candidate will work closely with an experienced management team, taking ownership of tenders and playing a key role in the continued growth of the business.

If you are an experienced Civils Estimator with a background in groundworks or regional civil engineering contracting and are looking for your next opportunity in East Sussex, please apply with your most up-to-date CV or contact Fawkes & Reece for a confidential discussion.