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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Obtain, analyse and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.

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Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methodologies.

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

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

Experience Required

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

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Demonstrable experience producing accurate first-principles estimates .

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Experience quantifying from drawings and technical information.

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

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Good understanding of electrical / MEICA interfaces within utility schemes.

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

Personal Attributes

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High level of accuracy and attention to detail

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Strong commercial awareness

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Analytical with a proactive, solutions-focused approach

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

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Confident communicator, comfortable liaising with senior stakeholders

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Collaborative team player in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications

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

or

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Equivalent industry experience in a professional estimating role

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

Whats on Offer

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

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Clear and genuine progression within a growing business

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Direct exposure to directors and involvement in business-critical bids

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Varied, technically interesting utility infrastructure projects

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Supportive, agile and highly collaborative working environment