Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator

Permanent role – Lancashire.

Competitive Salary plus Car allowance plus benefits

We are currently working with a Civil Engineering business who are leaders in their field, involved in Major Projects across the Northwest, shaping the future of infrastructure.

They are looking for a detail-driven and commercially astute Senior Estimator to join their Preconstruction team.

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the early assessment, pricing, and planning of civil engineering tenders – shaping winning bids through thorough analysis, accurate estimating, and strategic coordination.

You'll work closely with internal design, delivery, and commercial teams, as well as liaise with the supply chain, to ensure competitive and technically robust submissions. Your ability to identify risks, spot opportunities, and develop alternative construction strategies will be key to our continued success in securing complex infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret project information and scheme requirements at early stages.
• Identify and assess project risks and opportunities to strengthen bid proposals.
• Coordinate input from Design and Delivery teams to develop works delivery strategies.
• Price civil engineering activities (e.g., earthworks, drainage, ducting, paving) from first principles, including labour, plant, and materials.
• Develop construction programmes and sequences; ASTA Powerproject experience preferred (training can be provided).
• Identify win themes and drive the overall bid process across multiple contributors.
• Challenge proposed methodologies to explore alternative, cost-effective solutions.
• Compile detailed and accurate net cost estimates, including prelims and subcontract packages.
• Prepare and issue subcontract enquiries, liaising with supply chain and analysing returns.
• Present estimates at internal adjudications and adjust as required.
• Ensure timely submission of tenders, fully meeting client specifications and requirements.
• Provide commercial input and strategic insights to improve bid competitiveness.
• Review project appraisals and contribute lessons learned post-contract.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong background in civil engineering with demonstrable experience in estimating and tendering.
• Ability to build up cost estimates from first principles.
• Knowledge of various civil disciplines including drainage, earthworks, utilities, and hard landscaping.
• Familiarity with tendering processes, construction sequencing, and programme development.
• Proficiency in estimating tools and scheduling software (ASTA Powerproject preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen commercial mindset.
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities, both written and verbal.
• Confidence to challenge methodologies and propose alternative approaches.

What you will get in return

As a valued member of our preconstruction team, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the success of high-profile civil engineering projects from day one. We offer a collaborative work culture, professional development opportunities, and a strong pipeline of varied and exciting schemes.

In return for your hard work, you will receive a competitive salary, car allowance and great benefits including a generous pension contribution and hybrid working.

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.  We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for Estimators looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.