Estimator

Hiring: Estimator

Article by Hayleigh

30 Oct 2026 • 4 min read

Alpha Construction Ltd is a leading privately owned Civil Engineering and Building Construction contractor delivering a diverse portfolio of projects across the UK. Specialising in the Energy, Industrial, and Commercial sectors, our project values range from £500k to £10 million.

Due to continued growth and success, we are seeking an experienced Estimator to play a key role in driving our commercial pipeline. In this role, you will lead the tendering process from initial enquiry through to submission, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability across our civil engineering and building operations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company vehicle or allowance
• Generous holiday allowance
• Contributory company pension
• Life insurance
• Bi-annual bonus
• On-site parking
• Private healthcare

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for preparing and submitting tenders and budgets, including obtaining supporting quotations for subcontract work, materials, and plant, and supervising junior staff when required.

Preparation of Tenders

• Receiving and checking enquiry documentation for completeness.
• Checking specification and contract conditions. If any onerous or special conditions are identified, discuss these with the line manager before proceeding further.
• Acknowledging receipt of tender to Client, where this is required.
• Preparing estimate and tender submission in line with tender enquiry and Company procedures.

Production of Estimates

• Visiting a site to determine its nature and that of the surrounding area, with particular reference to access, public utilities (above and below ground), local conditions, and other factors that could influence the cost of undertaking the work.
• Liaising with the Client to ensure that a full understanding of their requirements is obtained.
• Liaising with the Contracts Department to obtain their assistance in determining suitable construction methods, and any other information that will improve competitiveness.
• If required, prepare quantities in sufficient detail to produce an accurate estimate of costs.
• Selecting suitable sub-contractors for specialist trade activities, and obtaining quotations for inclusion within the tender.
• Obtaining, or agreeing, suitable material prices and hired plant rates for inclusion within the tender.
• Calculating appropriate rates for undertaking work activities, and collating these on a summary sheet together with an assessment of site overhead costs.
• Preparing a resourced programme, and reconciling this with the summary sheet.

Contract Award

• If the tender is successful, assisting in checking details of order.
• Preparing documentation for, and attending, handover meetings with the Contracts Department.

Safety & Quality Control

• Ensuring all construction methods incorporated in tenders strictly comply with company Health & Safety policy, good practice, and current legislation.
• Ensuring sufficient financial allowance is included within tenders for safe site construction and compliance with the Integrated Management System.
• Complying with client site safety requirements and wearing appropriate PPE during site visits.

Personnel

• Ensuring that subordinate staff gain the necessary training/experience, and assisting them to become competent to undertake the duties required of them.
• Maintaining high standards of motivation and morale.

Commercial, Public Relations & Governance

• Representing the company professionally with clients, subcontractors, and the public.
• Assisting with business development and promoting additional work opportunities.
• Maintaining strict commercial confidentiality regarding client data and sensitive documentation.
• Ensuring all submissions adhere to limits of authority (no tenders or budgets submitted without review by the Commercial Director or Managing Director).

About You

• Minimum of BSc/Degree in Civil Engineering and/or Quantity Surveying.
• First-Principles Estimating: Proven capability in detailed first-principles estimating (labour, plant, materials, outputs, and subcontract packages).
• Sector Experience: Experience estimating for industrial buildings, small-to-medium scale civil engineering projects, drainage, and concrete structures.
• Contractual & Measurement Knowledge: Sound working knowledge of standard industry contracts and measurement methods, including NEC3 (Options A & B), JCT, ICE Measurement CESMM, and “Builders Quants”.
• Procurement & Negotiation: Experience in issuing procurement enquiries, analysing quotes for compliance, and sourcing supplier/buyer cost data.
• You need to be able to reliably commute to DE65 5GE or relocate before starting work.

Please complete the form below and attach a copy of your CV:

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