Estimator

JSM Group; Potters Bar; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities company in the UK is seeking an Estimator to produce detailed pricing for various projects. The successful candidate will review tender documents, manage submissions, and collaborate with procurement and delivery teams. Strong financial management and attention to detail are essential, with a mix of relevant experience and educational qualifications required. This position offers competitive compensation and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

28 days of holiday

2 paid volunteering days

Continuous training and development

Participation in mentoring programs

Qualifications

• Methodical thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and negotiating skills.
• Self-motivated and strong team player.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed pricing for utilities-based projects.
• Review tender documents and develop bid strategies.
• Prepare tender submissions and negotiate costs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Financial management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Knowledge of utility contracting

IT literacy

Education

Degree in estimating or related discipline

5 years’ experience in utilities-focused estimating role

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

SCOPE OF ROLE

The Estimator is responsible for the timely production of detailed pricing for utilities-based projects. This will involve compiling accurate estimates primarily using first-principle methods, covering multi-disciplinary activities such as civil, reinstatement, utility connections, and associated enabling works along with specialist civil solutions such as HDD. The role includes assessing labour, plant, equipment, materials, and subcontractor requirements to support tendering and bidding activities.

HOW YOU’LL SUCCEED

• Review tender documents, interpret requirements, and work with colleagues to develop the bid strategy
• Prepare tender submissions, including compiling, negotiating, and analysing costs for tenders; issuing subcontract enquiries; and evaluating responses.
• Support the final bid review and sign-off process with Senior Managers before submission.
• Identify and anticipate potential risks.
• Provide a detailed handover for successful tenders to the Delivery Team and QS as part of the Project Pre-Start process.
• Take part in pre- and post-tender commercial activities, including attending client clarification meetings and Best and Final Offer (BAFO) reviews.
• Liaise with Procurement to obtain quotations for aggregates, asphalt, ducting, concrete, reinstatement materials, and subcontractor services.
• Prepare bespoke and/or Excel cost models from first principles for use when estimating, budgeting, and forecasting. Keep cost models up to date with current labour, subcontract, plant, and material rates.
• Liaise with Project and Delivery Managers to determine outputs, programme, resources, and approach to pricing of schemes, including site surveys where required
• Liaise with the Street Works and Planning teams to obtain Gazetteer information, Local Authority restrictions, and permitting requirements.

WHAT IT TAKES

• A methodical way of thinking with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving and risk assessment skills.
• Strong financial and numeracy management skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiating skills.
• Good knowledge of utility contracting and streetworks reinstatement.
• The ability to absorb complex information and translate requirements into clear estimates.
• IT literate, with strong Excel skills; MS Word essential, MS Project desirable.
• Trustworthiness and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Self-motivated but also a strong team player.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in estimating or a related discipline, OR a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar utilities-focused estimating role.
• Competent in the use of MS Word & Excel & estimating software.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

We truly value your work, time, and skills! In return, we will offer you a competitive salary and additional benefits to support your professional growth, including:

• Participation in mentoring and coaching programmes.
• 28 days of holiday (excluding bank holidays).
• 2 paid volunteering days a year.
• Hybrid working pattern.
• Continuous training and development in both technical and business skills.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

JSM Group Services Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability, or age. Our ethos is to respect and value people’s differences and to help everyone achieve more at work as well as in their personal lives so that they feel proud of the part they play in our success. We believe that all decisions about people at work should be based on the individual’s abilities, skills, performance, and behaviour and our business requirements. JSM Group operates a zero-tolerance policy to any form of discrimination, abuse, or harassment.