Estimator

Estimator - Civil Engineering, Power & Rail
Location: Manchester
Salary/Package: 45,000 - 65,000 + Excellent Benefits Package
Job Type: Permanent

About the Company
Our client is an established and highly respected civil engineering contractor delivering specialist construction solutions to the power and rail industries across the UK.

The business works in two core areas. Its power division provides civil and building engineering works to the extra-high voltage (EHV) power industry, including large substation projects for major utility clients. Its rail division delivers infrastructure works across the rail and light rail network.

Their services cover substation civils and building works, foundations, cable routes, drainage, station and platform upgrades, lighting and tactile paving installations, and culvert works including repairs, replacement, surveys and lining.

The business is known for being dynamic, client-focused and flexible, with a skilled, highly trained directly employed workforce and an experienced management team. It has won industry recognition for its health and safety performance, including a Contractor of the Year award from a major utility client. It also works alongside an electrical contracting sister company to offer a complete civil and electrical package.

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of work across both sectors, they are looking to appoint an Estimator to join their commercial team.

The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator to take responsibility for pricing a varied range of civil engineering, power and rail infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will manage the estimating process from receipt of tender through to submission. They will produce accurate, competitive and well-presented bids that help the business continue to win work with its key clients.

This is a varied position covering first-principles estimating, subcontract and supplier enquiries, and close liaison with clients, the operations team and the commercial department. Smaller works and framework call-offs sit alongside larger, more technical schemes.

The role would suit an Estimator with a background in civil engineering, utilities, power or rail. We will also consider ambitious Estimators from a general construction background who want to move into the infrastructure sector.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Tendering

• Reviewing tender documents, drawings, specifications and client requirements.
• Preparing accurate first-principles estimates covering labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages.
• Taking off quantities and preparing or pricing Bills of Quantities and schedules of rates.
• Identifying risks, opportunities, qualifications and exclusions within each tender.
• Preparing tender programmes, method statements and supporting information with the operations team.
• Pricing framework call-offs, minor works and variations quickly and accurately.
• Compiling and submitting competitive, compliant tender submissions to deadline.

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Issuing enquiries to subcontractors, suppliers and plant hire companies.
• Analysing and comparing quotations to make sure they are competitive and complete.
• Building and maintaining a reliable network of specialist subcontractors and suppliers.
• Keeping cost databases, rates and market pricing information up to date.

Commercial & Client Liaison

• Attending site visits, tender meetings and pre-start meetings.
• Liaising with clients, consultants and engineers to resolve tender queries and clarifications.
• Presenting estimates to Directors and senior management for review and adjudication.
• Handing successful tenders over to the commercial and operations teams.
• Supporting value engineering and alternative proposals to add value for clients.
• Analysing tender outcomes and feedback to improve future success rates.

About You

• Proven experience as an Estimator, or a Quantity Surveyor with strong estimating experience, in civil engineering or construction.
• Background in power, utilities, rail, highways or general civil engineering would be advantageous.
• Experience pricing substation civils, groundworks, drainage, structures or rail infrastructure would be highly beneficial.
• Confident pricing from first principles and building up labour, plant and material rates.
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and tender documents.
• Working knowledge of NEC and ICE/ICC contracts would be beneficial.
• Strong numerical, analytical and IT skills, including Excel and estimating or take-off software.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• A relevant degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline would be beneficial.
• Full UK driving licence.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of 45,000 - 65,000, depending on experience.
• Additional package.
• Permanent opportunity with an established and award-winning civil engineering contractor.
• A varied workload across the power and rail sectors.
• Work for major utility and rail clients on technically interesting projects.
• A supportive, experienced management team.
• Long-term career development within a growing business.

Apply Today
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded Estimator looking to develop their career with a specialist civil engineering contractor in the power and rail sectors.

If you have estimating experience in civil engineering, utilities, power, rail or general construction, we would be keen to hear from you.

Please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris, at Building Careers UK for a confidential discussion.

Building Careers UK specialises in Construction and Property recruitment and serves as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.

Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Please Note: Due to the high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

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