Senior Estimator

Reading, Oxfordshire
J3a Recruitment

Senior Estimator Water Industry
Location: Reading
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

About the company

My client is a leading infrastructure company, and their Southern Water Business Unit is looking for a Senior Estimator to join their team in Reading. If you have extensive experience in the water industry and are ready to contribute to exciting projects, this opportunity could be for you.

The Role of the Senior Estimator

As a Senior Estimator, you ll play a critical role in preparing and submitting tenders, ensuring competitive bids, and driving future business growth. Working closely with the bid team, you ll use your construction knowledge and commercial insight to secure profitable projects. Your responsibilities will include risk and value management, budget preparation, cost planning, and collaboration with design and project teams.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Estimator

• Review and assess tender documents.
• Prepare material and subcontractor inquiries, selecting prospective partners.
• Attend strategy meetings and site visits to identify risks.
• Contribute to design development and attend design meetings as needed.
• Develop tender bills of quantities and analytical cost estimates.
• Compare and adjudicate subcontractor quotations.
• Manage risk throughout the tender period, preparing a comprehensive tender risk register.
• Lead value engineering processes during design phases.
• Present tenders to senior management, highlighting any significant risks.
• Ensure a seamless handover to the operational team.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Construction or related field (essential).
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Extensive experience with analytical estimating, including projects up to £25m.
• Familiarity with various contract types (design & build, traditional, partnering, frameworks).
• Experience using estimating software.
• Strong technical construction knowledge and industry standards.
• Skilled in cost planning and risk management.
• Ability to lead, manage, and develop teams.
• Strong communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & Car allowance
• 34 days annual leave (with the option to buy/sell up to 3 days), long service days awarded at 3, 7, and 10 years.
• Private medical insurance for you (with optional family cover).
• Life assurance and a pension scheme with up to 8% employer match.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave.
• Flexible and agile working options.
• 2 days of volunteering opportunities annually.
• Access to a range of employee discounts, including electronics, travel, fitness, and more. Additional benefits like dental insurance, travel insurance, and a cycle-to-work scheme.