Senior Estimator – Civils / Infrastructure

Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire (Hybrid: minimum 3 days office/client site)
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 DOE + Car Allowance + Pension + Increasing Annual Leave
Recruiter: Specialist Recruitment Agency (representing an anonymous client)

Are you an experienced Estimator with a background in civil engineering or infrastructure works? Are you looking to join a growing contractor where you can influence bid strategy, lead tender activity, and play a key role in securing new projects?

We are recruiting on behalf of a well‑established civils contractor with a strong presence in rail, drainage and utilities. Due to growth, they are seeking a Senior Estimator to join their Welwyn Garden City office.

The company is open to a wide range of backgrounds — including Estimators who have worked their way up from the tools and have a grounded understanding of construction processes. Rail experience is helpful but not essential; strong civils experience is equally valued.

The Role

You will lead and develop detailed estimates for civils and drainage works across projects typically valued up to £5m. Working closely with bid, engineering, commercial and planning teams, you'll ensure tenders are accurate, competitive and aligned with strategic objectives.

This is a hands‑on role suited to someone who enjoys collaboration, problem solving and shaping tender strategy from early engagement through to handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce detailed estimates in line with company processes and tender requirements.
• Lead and mentor junior estimators, especially on larger bids.
• Work with Bid Managers, Engineers, Planners and Commercial teams to define methodology and pricing approach.
• Identify tender risks, opportunities and key assumptions.
• Prepare adjudication packs and present estimates to senior stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate estimating files and assumption registers.
• Provide indicative pricing to support business development.
• Attend site visits as required and ensure tender submissions are robust, compliant and commercially sound.
• Prepare handover packs for operational teams following contract award.

What Were Looking For

• Strong civils, drainage, utilities or infrastructure experience (rail experience welcome but not essential).
• Proven experience preparing estimates up to approx. £5m.
• Good understanding of estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• Confident presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial thinking and attention to detail.
• Candidates who have progressed from hands‑on site roles into estimating are very welcome.
• Ability to travel for client meetings and site visits.

Salary & Benefits

• £70,000 – £90,000 depending on experience
• Car allowance
• 23 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
• Company pension
• Office‑based role with at least 3 days per week on site or in the office

Why Apply?

• Work with a supportive, expanding contractor with a strong project pipeline.
• Real influence over bid strategy and tender decision‑making.
• Opportunity to mentor others and lead on major tender submissions.
• Stable, long‑term role with progression potential.