Job Description

Senior Estimator – Utilities (Water Bias)

West Midlands

Full-time | Permanent

Up to £85,000 per annum + package (DOE)

The Opportunity

An established and growing infrastructure and utilities contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to support a strong pipeline of framework and project work across the West Midlands.

This is a key position within a close-knit pre-construction team, offering direct day-to-day interaction with senior leadership, real influence over bid strategy and a clear route for progression.

The role is design-led and solution-focused, so it will suit someone with a strong background in the water sector (with an appreciation of associated electrical / MEICA elements) who is comfortable building estimates from first principles and developing methodologies — rather than purely pricing from historic rates.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, comprehensive and timely estimates and tender submissions for utility infrastructure projects.

• Build estimates from first principles using industry estimating software (e.g. Candy or equivalent) in line with internal cost libraries.

• Review drawings, specifications and client requirements to develop buildable and commercially viable solutions

• Produce and maintain accurate quantities from available information to ensure robust project launch.

• Support design-and-build tenders, developing outline / draft design proposals where required.

• Evaluate project scope, risk and pricing strategy across multiple concurrent tenders.

• Obtain, analyse and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.

• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methodologies.

• Lead tender handover into delivery teams, preparing clear and structured handover documentation.

• Work closely with operational, commercial and senior management teams to shape bid strategy.

Experience Required

• Proven experience in an Estimator / Senior Estimator role within the utilities sector, with a strong water bias.

• Demonstrable experience producing accurate first-principles estimates

• Experience quantifying from drawings and technical information.

• Background in design-and-build tenders and developing cost-effective solutions.

• Good understanding of electrical / MEICA interfaces within utility schemes.

• Experience working in a framework / programme-driven environment with multiple tender deadlines.

Personal Attributes

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Strong commercial awareness

• Analytical with a proactive, solutions-focused approach

• Ability to take ownership of tenders from initial review through to handover

• Confident communicator, comfortable liaising with senior stakeholders

• Collaborative team player in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications

• HNC / HND / Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
  or

• Equivalent industry experience in a professional estimating role

Professional membership (or working towards) is desirable but not essential.

Whats on Offer

• Salary up to £85,000 per annum depending on experience

• Clear and genuine progression within a growing business

• Direct exposure to directors and involvement in business-critical bids

• Varied, technically interesting utility infrastructure projects

• Supportive, agile and highly collaborative working environment