Senior Estimator

Overview

As a Senior Estimator, you will shape robust, commercially focused bids for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You will work closely with bid, operations and procurement teams to develop accurate, first-principles cost build-ups and competitive tender submissions. The role sits in a Leeds-based team where you’ll influence tender strategy and commercial outcomes across major projects. You’ll tackle commercial risk, value engineering opportunities and guide less experienced colleagues while contributing to a growing portfolio of essential water assets.

Pay / Benefits

• Company car or car allowance
• Contributory pension
• Private healthcare
• 25 days leave + bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus
• Health and wellbeing benefits

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets and tender submissions for water and wastewater capital projects
• Develop accurate cost build-ups using first principles estimating methodologies
• Review tender docs, drawings, specs and scope
• Lead quantity measurement and pricing schedules
• Obtain, review and challenge supplier/subcontractor quotations
• Identify commercial risks, opportunities and value engineering options
• Collaborate with bid, operational, commercial and procurement teams to craft tender strategies
• Provide estimating expertise and commercial input throughout the tender process
• Ensure estimates are well-substantiated and aligned with project requirements
• Contribute to improving estimating processes and mentor less experienced team members

Key requirements

• Proven estimating experience in water and/or wastewater sectors
• Strong first principles estimating and detailed cost build-ups
• Understanding of water infrastructure capital projects and construction methods
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs and tender documents
• Experience evaluating subcontractor/supplier quotes and pricing strategies
• Strong commercial, analytical and numerical skills
• Ability to identify project risks and opportunities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management
• Working knowledge of estimating software and Microsoft Office
• Relevant construction qualification or equivalent experience
• Ability to commute to the Leeds office three days per week

• communication
• stakeholder management
• team mentorship
• first principles estimating
• cost build-ups
• tender documentation analysis

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