The Opportunity

A leading UK civil engineering and infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced Senior / Lead Estimator to join its growing commercial team based in Warrington.

This is a key appointment within the business, offering the opportunity to lead the estimating function across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering, infrastructure, highways, utilities, earthworks, and major construction projects. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in securing future workstreams and shaping the commercial success of the business.

The role would suit an experienced Estimator ready to step into a leadership position, or an established Lead Estimator looking to join a business with a strong project pipeline and long-term growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tender estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
* Produce detailed cost plans and tender submissions using **first principles pricing methodologies**.
* Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings, and contract requirements to identify risks, opportunities, and key commercial considerations.
* Develop comprehensive pricing strategies based on labour, plant, materials, subcontractor packages, and project-specific delivery requirements.
* Carry out site visits and assessments to identify project complexities, logistics requirements, and construction constraints.
* Engage proactively with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive quotations and negotiate commercial terms.
* Prepare and present tender adjudications to senior management.
* Support bid submissions and client presentations where required.
* Work closely with operational, commercial, and project delivery teams to ensure robust handovers following contract award.
* Monitor market conditions, material costs, inflationary trends, and supply chain developments.
* Mentor and support junior estimators where appropriate.
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating function.

Essential Requirements

* Proven experience operating as a Senior Estimator or Lead Estimator within civil engineering, infrastructure, utilities, highways, energy, or construction sectors.
* Strong experience producing estimates using **first principles pricing**.
* Demonstrable ability to build estimates from the ground up, including labour, plant, materials, productivity outputs, and subcontract packages.
* Strong understanding of construction methodologies and associated cost drivers.
* Experience managing multiple tenders simultaneously within a fast-paced environment.
* Commercially astute with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.
* Proficient in Microsoft Excel and estimating software packages.

## Desirable Experience

* HNC/HND or Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
* Experience working under NEC and JCT forms of contract.
* Knowledge of CESMM and other recognised methods of measurement.
* Experience leading tender reviews and adjudication processes.
* Previous management or mentoring experience within an estimating team.

## What's on Offer

* Salary circa **£100,000** (dependent on experience).
* Attractive benefits package.
* Long-term career progression opportunities.
* Opportunity to work on high-profile infrastructure and civil engineering projects.
* Stable and growing business with a strong reputation within the sector.
* Collaborative and supportive working environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded estimator who enjoys developing robust first-principles estimates and wants to play a key role in the continued growth of a highly successful civil engineering contractor.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.