Estimator – Groundworks & RC Frame Contractor
Location: South West London
Salary:
- Junior Estimator: up to £50,000 (up to 2 years’ experience)
- Intermediate Estimator: up to £80,000 (3–4 years’ experience)
Contract Type: Full-time, office-based (5 days per week)
Employment Type: PAYE or Self-Employed
Company Overview
Our client is a well-established civil engineering and groundworks contractor with a turnover of approximately £45 million per annum. The company operates within the groundworks, reinforced concrete (RC) frame, external works, and Section 278 (highway) works sectors.
They are known for delivering high-quality projects across London and the South East, with a sweet spot project size between £6–8 million, and regular smaller packages in the £3–4 million range. On average, the estimating team handles around £10 million of tenders per month.
The business prides itself on maintaining a collaborative, hands-on working environment where knowledge-sharing, mentoring, and teamwork are central to success.
The Estimating Team
The existing estimating department comprises:
- 2 Senior Estimators with extensive industry experience.
- 1 Intermediate Estimator (mid-level).
- 1 Estimating Assistant.
Following recent internal movement, the team is now seeking a new Estimator to work closely with the two Senior Estimators — either a Junior eager to develop their career or a Mid-Level Estimator ready to take on more responsibility.
The Role
The successful candidate will play a key part in preparing accurate and competitive tenders for a range of civil engineering and structural projects. Working under the guidance of Senior Estimators, you will assist in developing cost plans, analysing tender documentation, and ensuring high-quality bid submissions.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working within a supportive, team-oriented office, where mentorship and professional development are actively encouraged.
Key Responsibilities
- Tender Analysis & Cost Estimation
- Review tender documentation, drawings, and specifications to produce detailed cost estimates.
- Develop cost build-ups for groundworks, RC frames, drainage, hard landscaping, and other civil engineering elements.
- Prepare and maintain accurate Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and perform detailed take-offs.
- Collaboration & Review
- Work alongside Senior Estimators to verify quantities, rates, and overall cost accuracy.
- Participate in tender adjudication meetings and risk assessments with the senior team.
- Coordinate with engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors to gather competitive quotations.
- Technical & Commercial Inputs
- Build rates using estimating software, incorporating up-to-date material, labour, and plant rates.
- Ensure all project documentation (BOQs, quotes, programmes) is filed correctly within internal estimating systems.
- Support senior management in the smooth transition of projects from estimation to delivery.
- General Duties
- Conduct site visits when required to assess conditions or verify information.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes and databases.
- Treat all tender information as confidential and ensure all bids are submitted exclusively for the company.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Minimum 1 year of experience in estimating within groundworks, RC frame, or civil engineering sectors (up to 4 years for the mid-level role).
- Strong technical understanding of construction processes and sequencing.
- Proficient in Excel and estimating software packages.
- Excellent numeracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills.
- Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
Desirable:
- Relevant qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Quantity Surveying.
- Experience working on projects ranging from £3m–£10m.
- Familiarity with Civils/RC estimating software and digital take-off tools.
Why Join
- Opportunity to work under highly experienced Senior Estimators with structured mentoring.
- Exposure to a diverse portfolio of civil and structural projects.
- Stable, growing company with consistent tender flow (£10m per month).
- Supportive, collaborative office culture in South West London.
- Competitive salary and flexibility on employment type (PAYE or self-employed).
Please contact me on Mob: +44 (0) 7903063892 | Email: k.dickson@calco.co.uk