Senior Estimator

Careys Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering company based in Milton Keynes is seeking a Senior Estimator to join their Work-Winning team. This position involves reviewing tenders, providing estimations for large projects, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years' experience in related fields and a strong understanding of measurement methods. Benefits include 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, private healthcare, a car allowance, and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private Healthcare

Car Allowance

Company Pension

Volunteering Days

Health Care Cashplan

Cycle to work scheme

Car Leasing Scheme

Discounted Gym Membership

Life Assurance

Buy/sell holidays

Other discounts and Cashback plans

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in estimating for civil engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of measurement methods like SMM7.
• Proven track record in estimating multimillion-pound packages.

Responsibilities

• Review incoming tenders and identify risks and opportunities.
• Lead and mentor Estimators and Assistant Estimators.
• Prepare accurate first-principles estimates and budgets.
• Complete quantity take-offs and produce bills of quantities.
• Analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Attend client meetings and support bid negotiations.

Skills

Groundworks

Earthworks

Drainage

RC frames

Commercial awareness

Numerical ability

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Proactive approach

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Degree in QS

Degree in Construction Management

Tools

Bluebeam

ACC Take Off Tool

Candy or similar estimating software

Job description

Senior Estimator

Department: Estimating

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Milton Keynes Office

Reporting To: Stephen Wilde

Description

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Estimator to join our collaborative Work-Winning team and play a key role in shaping major civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Reporting to the Managing Estimator, you’ll produce high‑quality estimates, mentor colleagues, and support the delivery of Careys’ 5‑year Strategic Plan.

What you will be doing:

• Review incoming tenders, identifying risks, opportunities and value engineering options
• Lead, coach and develop Estimators and Assistant Estimators
• Prepare accurate first‑principles estimates and budgets
• Complete and review quantity take-offs using Bluebeam or ACC Take Off Tool
• Produce bills of quantities and review rates
• Analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Assess project risks and opportunities
• Contribute to tender reports, mid-bid meetings and adjudications
• Attend client meetings and support bid negotiations

What you will bring:

• 5+ years’ experience across groundworks, earthworks, drainage, RC frames or similar
• Proven track record estimating multimillion‑pound packages
• Strong understanding of measurement methods (e.g., SMM7)
• Confident using electronic measurement tools (Bluebeam/ACC Take Off Tool)
• Excellent commercial awareness and numerical ability
• Strong organisation, communication and problem‑solving skills
• A collaborative, supportive and proactive approach

Preferable but not essential:

• Degree in Civil Engineering, QS or Construction Management
• Experience with Candy or similar estimating software

Benefits:

• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Private Healthcare
• Car Allowance
• Company Pension
• Volunteering Days - With Careys Foundation - or other organisations that are important to you
• Health Care Cashplan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car Leasing Scheme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Life Assurance
• Buy/sell holidays
• Other discounts and Cashback plans