Senior Civils Estimator Role - £75k Career Growth in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This is a solid mid-to-senior level estimating role with a well-established UK civil engineering contractor, offering up to £75,000 per annum. For context, Civils Estimators in the North-West of England typically earn between £45,000–£70,000, making this position above market rate and indicative of a senior or specialist remit.
Career development signals are positive:
- Exposure to the full tender lifecycle — from risk analysis to handover — builds highly transferable commercial skills.
- Experience with Conquest Series Q, NEC/JCT contracts, and CESMM measurement methods are in-demand specialisms that strengthen your CV for senior estimating, commercial management, or pre-contracts director roles.
- Working for a "leading multi-discipline" contractor suggests scale and variety of project types, which accelerates professional growth.
Work-life balance considerations: The role requires site visits and in-person client/subcontractor meetings, suggesting a predominantly office/field-based culture. No mention of flexible or hybrid working is made, which may be a consideration for candidates seeking modern flexibility.
Green flags: Above-market salary, clear progression pathways mentioned, and a reputable recruiter (Reed) handling the search. Watch out for: The lack of explicit mention of pension, holidays, or hybrid working — worth clarifying at interview stage. Overall, a strong opportunity for an ambitious estimator looking to grow within a major contractor environment.
Civils Estimator
- Annual Salary: up to £75,000 per annum + benefits
- Location: Warrington, North-West of England
- Job Type: Full-time
Reed Recruitment are delighted to be recruiting for one of the UK's leading multi-discipline Civil Engineering and Building contractors, for a Civils Estimator. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for career development and progression within a dynamic team.
Day-to-day of the role:
- Provide a comprehensive estimating service, controlling either an assigned project or a portfolio of projects.
- Identify potential risks from initial analysis of project documentation.
- Prepare tender estimates from first principles using Conquest estimating software, drawing on previous experience and knowledge of techniques, outputs, subcontractor quotations, and material prices unique to each tender.
- Conduct site visits as required for the tender to ascertain site-specific complexities, access requirements, etc.
- Lead and participate in discussions and negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors during the tender process.
- Engage in pre-tender discussions/sign-off with senior colleagues.
- Attend and contribute to pre/post-tender meetings with clients' designated personnel.
- Conduct handover meetings with contract and commercial colleagues to ensure all elements of the tender process and procedures are communicated, and project complexities are fully understood by all parties prior to the signing of the contract.
- Stay updated on inflation, exchange rates, and projected timescale costs.
- Obtain feedback from site teams on estimating adequacy and current costs.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- HND/C in Civil Engineering.
- At least two years of previous experience working in an Estimating Department.
- Thorough understanding of construction techniques, outputs, and the relationship between costs from these and the market values and how this is utilised in tendering.
- Forming bills of quantities from drawings take-offs, either by hand or from Estimating software.
- Ability to prioritise, manage, and coordinate multiple tender opportunities in a constantly changing environment with minimal supervision.
- High level of PC literacy with working knowledge of Conquest Series Q, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word & Project software.
Desirable:
- BEng / BSc in Civil Engineering.
- CSCS Card.
- Eagerness to learn from experienced members of the company to further understanding.
- Knowledge and experience of CESMM, SMM Methods of Measurement, production of activity schedules, and population of contract sum analyses.
- Ability to work independently utilising several standard forms of contract such as NEC/JCT and bespoke contracts.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Long-term career opportunities and excellent potential for future development and progression.
- Opportunity to work with a leading company in the industry.
To apply for the Civils Estimator position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.
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