_{29th October, 2026}

Senior Estimator
Location: County Durham
Sector: Civil Engineering
Job Type: Permanent, Salaried

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Estimator to join a civil engineering team based in County Durham.

This is an excellent opportunity for an estimator with a strong understanding of civil engineering projects to take responsibility for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates across a variety of tenders, contracts and subcontract packages.

Working closely with colleagues across the business, you will play an important role in the tendering process, analysing project requirements, identifying commercial risks and opportunities, and ensuring estimates are prepared to a high standard and submitted within agreed deadlines.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware and confident working both independently and as part of a wider team.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for tenders, contracts and subcontract works.
• Present completed estimates to senior management for review and commercial settlement within the required timescales.
• Prepare and coordinate subcontract packages for specialist works, ensuring these are completed in line with project deadlines.
• Review tender information carefully to identify potential risks, opportunities and areas requiring further consideration.
• Monitor the progress of estimating activities and provide regular updates to the wider estimating team.
• Develop estimates from first principles, using available technical information to establish realistic and competitive costs.
• Organise and prioritise your workload effectively to ensure client requirements and tender deadlines are consistently met.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to share information, resolve queries and support the successful delivery of tender submissions.
• Contribute to maintaining high standards of health and safety, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and company procedures.
• Participate in performance reviews, training and professional development opportunities to support your continued growth.
• Promote fairness, equality and respect throughout the workplace, maintaining positive and professional working relationships.

Please note that responsibilities may evolve in line with business requirements, provided any changes remain consistent with the overall nature and level of the position.

About You

You will be a detail-oriented and motivated estimating professional with the experience and technical ability to prepare accurate cost estimates within the construction or civil engineering sector.

You will have a methodical approach to your work, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities without compromising the quality or accuracy of your estimates.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of three years' relevant occupational experience.
• Experience preparing estimates within the construction or civil engineering industry.
• The ability to build up accurate and competitive estimates from first principles.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret technical information.
• An understanding of tendering processes, subcontract packages and commercial requirements.
• Experience using Causeway estimating software would be advantageous, although this is not essential.

Skills and Attributes To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication: The ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong attention to detail: A methodical approach to preparing estimates and reviewing information.
• Effective time management: The ability to organise your workload and meet deadlines consistently.
• Planning and organisation: Confidence managing multiple tasks and prioritising work effectively.
• Teamwork: The ability to build positive working relationships and collaborate with colleagues.
• Commercial awareness: A proactive approach to identifying risks, opportunities and cost considerations.
• Professionalism: A commitment to maintaining high standards, treating others fairly and contributing to a positive working environment.

What's on Offer?

• The opportunity to join an established civil engineering team.
• A varied estimating role covering a range of tenders, contracts and specialist subcontract works.
• The opportunity to contribute to commercially important projects and tender decisions.
• Opportunities for ongoing training, professional development and performance reviews.
• A collaborative working environment that values integrity, respect and teamwork.

Interested in Applying? If you have estimating experience within the construction or civil engineering sector and are looking for your next career opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this Senior Estimator position in Durham.

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