Senior Estimator – Major Civils & Infrastructure

Are you an experienced Senior Estimator with a strong technical background in groundworks, highways, drainage, and concrete structures? Looking to lead high-value civils tenders for a leading UK infrastructure specialist?

Our client is an established, tier-1 civil engineering and infrastructure main contractor with a reputation for delivering major groundworks, adoptable highways, deep drainage, and reinforced concrete (RC) frame packages across the UK. Due to sustained growth and a strong pipeline of regional infrastructure awards, they are seeking a Senior Estimator to join their pre-construction team in Solihull.

The Role

As Senior Estimator, you will take ownership of compiling accurate, competitive, and technically sound tenders for major civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Working closely with commercial, operational, and design teams, you will price schemes from first principles while maintaining strict bid governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end tender preparation process for major civils, earthworks, drainage, highways (S278), and RC structure packages.
• Utilize Candy (RIB CCS) or Conquest estimating software to generate detailed, error-free Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and cost build-ups.
• Conduct measurement and quantification of tender drawings, challenging external take-offs for accuracy and completeness.
• Analyse labor, plant, material, and preliminary rates, ensuring pricing reflects current market conditions and delivery outputs.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative tender solutions to maximize commercial competitiveness.
• Manage sub-contractor and supplier enquiry packages, reviewing quotations for technical and commercial compliance.
• Lead internal launch and tender settlement meetings, presenting completed estimates to directors and key stakeholders.
• Oversee post-tender client negotiations, tender queries, and structured handover processes to operational delivery teams.

Key Requirements

• Technical Background: Proven track record pricing major civil engineering projects, with deep technical knowledge of bulk earthworks, groundworks, adoptable drainage, highways, and RC structures.
• Software Proficiency: High level of experience using Candy (RIB CCS) or Conquest estimating software is essential.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong capability in first-principles rate build-ups, risk/opportunity analysis, and subcontractor analysis.
• Contract Awareness: Solid understanding of NEC3/NEC4 and JCT contract conditions within pre-construction phases.
• Qualifications: Degree, HND, or HNC in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Construction Management is preferred (Chartered status/ICE/RICS desirable).

What’s on Offer?

• Salary: £90,000 – £100,000 (dependent on experience)
• Package: Company car or generous car allowance, health cover, enhanced pension, and performance-related bonus scheme.
• Career Growth: Direct involvement in high-profile regional infrastructure tenders with a clear path toward Managing Estimator / Commercial Leadership.

How to Apply

To discuss this opportunity in total confidence, please submit your CV or contact Clayton Cruise at Cruise Control Recruitment.