Senior Estimator in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey

Senior Estimator

Location: [Surrey / Hybrid]

Reporting to: Pre-Construction Director / Estimating Manager

Salary: Competitive + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our growing Civil Engineering team. The successful candidate will play a key role within the pre-construction function, leading the preparation of competitive and commercially robust tenders across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects valued up to £75 million.

Projects will include highways, enabling works, deep drainage, Energy from Waste (EfW) infrastructure, rail and major civil engineering schemes for both public and private sector clients.

You will be responsible for managing the full estimating process from initial enquiry through to tender submission, working closely with operational, commercial and design teams to develop winning bid strategies and deliver accurate, risk-adjusted cost plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the preparation of estimates and tender submissions for projects ranging from £1m to £75m.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and contract requirements.
• Develop detailed cost estimates, pricing models and tender strategies.
• Prepare and issue subcontractor and supplier enquiries.
• Analyse subcontractor quotations and undertake detailed commercial comparisons.
• Develop preliminary construction methodologies and programmes in conjunction with delivery teams.
• Maintain and develop estimating databases, benchmarking information and historical cost records.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, planners, engineers and commercial teams during bid preparation.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years' estimating experience within the civil engineering and infrastructure sector.
• Proven track record of successfully pricing and securing projects up to £75m in value.
• Strong experience across one or more of the following sectors:
  • Highways
  • Enabling works
  • Deep drainage and utilities
  • Energy from Waste (EfW)
  • Major civil engineering projects
• Strong understanding of NEC forms of contract.
• Ability to prepare detailed first-principles estimates.
• Experience using industry estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Desirable Experience

• Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or similar discipline.
• Experience working with Tier 1 or leading regional civil engineering contractors.
• Experience of Design & Build procurement routes.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Commercially astute with excellent attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify competitive advantages.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.