Civils Estimator

S&D Trade Recruitment is currently recruiting experienced Civils Estimator for a well-established and respected contractor specialising in civil engineering, building, surfacing, and drainage projects across the UK. Based near Portsmouth, this role offers the chance to work on a diverse range of projects while collaborating closely with estimating teams and colleagues across the country. The company provides a supportive environment with structured career development and values the contribution of its estimating professionals.

As a Civils Estimator, you will be responsible for managing project costs from tender to completion, preparing detailed estimates using Conquest or similar software, and identifying risks and opportunities within project documentation. The Civils Estimator role requires regular travel across Southern England to client sites, including occasional overnight stays. A full UK driving licence is essential. You will receive a company vehicle or car allowance, with full coverage of travel and any other related expenses.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary of £50,000 – £75,000 per annum (dependent on experience), a discretionary bonus scheme, and a Monday to Friday, 39-hour work week.

Key Responsibilities Of The Civils Estimator include:

• Preparing accurate tender estimates from first principles, utilising your knowledge of subcontractor quotations, material prices, and estimating techniques unique to each tender.
• Managing and controlling estimates for individual projects or across a portfolio, ensuring thorough oversight.
• Identifying potential risks and opportunities by analysing project documentation in detail.
• Conducting site visits to evaluate site-specific complexities, logistics, access requirements, and other relevant factors affecting the tender.
• Leading and actively participating in pre-tender discussions and sign-off meetings with senior colleagues to ensure alignment and approval before submission.
• Negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms.
• Attending and participating in pre- and post-tender meetings with clients, commercial, and operational teams.
• Taking part in project handover meetings with contract and commercial colleagues to ensure full understanding of project complexities and tender details prior to contract signing.
• Maintaining awareness of market factors including inflation, exchange rates, and cost projections to inform accurate estimating.
• Continuously improving estimating accuracy by gathering and applying feedback from site teams on estimate adequacy and current costs.

Civils Estimator Requirements:

• Proven experience as an Estimator within the Civil Engineering or Construction sector is essential.
• HND/C or degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Construction Management is preferred.
• Candidates without a degree will be considered if they demonstrate substantial on-the-job estimating experience, such as progression from site engineering or site management roles.
• Proficient in Conquest or similar estimating software, and skilled in Microsoft Office applications.
• Full  UK driving licence is essential due to travel requirements.
• CSCS card is preferred for site access.
• Additional tickets, accreditations, or professional memberships are advantageous but not mandatory.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Confident and effective communicator, able to lead meetings and liaise professionally with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Civils Estimator Benefits include:

• Fully expensed company vehicle (with a personal usage charge) or personal car allowance.
• All business-related travel expenses covered, including fuel card, ULEZ or congestion charges, and accommodation for overnight stays (arranged by the company or claimable).
• Company pension scheme: 5% employee contribution, 5% employer contribution (rising to 7% after 5 years of service).
• BUPA private healthcare, including spouse and family cover.
• 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Life insurance cover from day one (4x salary).
• Flexibility to work from home when travelling to/from client sites.
• Covering Southern England with occasional overnight stays as required, with some travel to the North and Scotland for training.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Civils Estimator seeking a long-term permanent position with a well-established company.

This role is advertised by S&D Trade Recruitment, acting as an employment business and agency on behalf of our client.