Senior Estimator

In this Senior Estimator role, you will lead the pricing of tenders and bids for rail-focused projects, from document receipt through to submission. You will work within the Estimating/Bid team to develop analytical cost estimates, risk pricing, and value-engineered solutions that support commercial outcomes. You will present the estimate at bid team meetings, manage on-costs and cash flow, and contribute to risk and opportunity workshops. This role offers impact by shaping competitive bids within Costain’s smart infrastructure portfolio and large-scale rail / civil projects.

• Prepare analytical estimates and price build-ups for tenders
• Present the estimate at bid team meetings and finalize bid submission
• Prepare preliminaries/on-costs pricing with Tender Planner
• Produce quantities from drawings/specifications and source/subcontract pricing
• Conduct site visits and develop site visit reports impacting pricing
• Assess risks and opportunities; price risk within the bid
• Use estimating software to build estimates and maintain records
• Coordinate with bid team to develop value-engineered solutions and procurement strategy
• Manage cash flow forecasts and capital expenditure implications
• Supervise Estimating Team members to meet deadlines
• Prepare tender/Proposal summaries including risk, inflation, and on-costs

• Degree level qualified or equivalent in Civil Engineering or Building related discipline
• Experience in bid team collaboration and analytical estimate preparation
• Pricing knowledge of traditional, NEC, Target Cost, Design & Build, ECI bids
• Experience with quantities from drawings and specifications; procurement of subcontractor pricing
• Ability to present and justify estimates at bid review and settlement meetings
• Familiarity with risk and opportunity processes in bidding
• Site visit experience and safety training for live-site access
• Knowledge of estimating software and cost control practices

• Customer-focused
• Team player
• Strong communication skills
• Estimating software proficiency
• Cash flow forecasting and cost planning
• Risk assessment and mitigation