Senior Estimator - Utilities (Water bias)

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