Senior Estimator


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	West Yorkshire, WF17 9ES
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	19 Oct 2026
Closing date:	18 Nov 2026

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Summary

Your new company

Hays are working with an established infrastructure contractor delivering essential projects across the UK water sector.

With significant investment continuing across water and wastewater infrastructure, the business is involved in the delivery of major capital programmes designed to improve network resilience, environmental performance and the long-term reliability of critical assets.

Due to continued growth within their water capital delivery team, they are now looking to appoint an experienced Estimator to support upcoming projects and programmes.

Your new role

As Estimator, you will provide estimating support across bids, tenders and live contracts, helping the business develop accurate and commercially robust pricing.

Working closely with operational and commercial teams, your responsibilities will include:

Preparing detailed estimates for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Supporting bids and tenders from initial enquiry through to submission.

Reviewing project scope, drawings, specifications and client requirements.

Identifying commercial and contractual risks within tender opportunities.

Liaising with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive quotations.

Assessing contract terms and requirements, including NEC contracts.

Providing estimating and commercial advice to senior management.

Working closely with operational teams to ensure proposed delivery methods are accurately priced.

Attending site visits where required to establish scope and understand project requirements.

Identifying opportunities to improve estimating processes and commercial performance.

Managing multiple tenders and priorities to meet required deadlines.

What you'll need to succeed

You will ideally have previous estimating experience gained within the water or wastewater sector, although candidates from other utilities or infrastructure backgrounds will also be considered.

You will ideally demonstrate:

Previous estimating experience within water, utilities, civil engineering or infrastructure.

A relevant construction, engineering or commercial qualification, or equivalent industry experience.

Good commercial awareness and understanding of project risk.

Knowledge of NEC forms of contract.

Strong communication and negotiation skills.

The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively to deadlines.

Confidence working with operational teams, clients, suppliers and subcontractors.

Strong Microsoft Office skills.

Experience using estimating software such as Conquest or Causeway would be advantageous.

What you'll get in return

This is an opportunity to join a well-established infrastructure business operating within a busy and growing area of the UK water sector.

The package includes:

Competitive salary.

Company car and fuel card, with EV and hybrid options available.

EV/hybrid salary sacrifice car scheme.

Private healthcare with family cover.

Healthcare cash plan.

Contributory pension scheme.

25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

Life assurance.

24/7 online GP service.

Employee assistance programme.

Retail discount and rewards platform.

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

Cycle-to-work scheme.

Employee reward and recognition programme.

What you need to do now

If you're an experienced Estimator working within water, utilities or civil engineering and you're interested in exploring your next opportunity, please apply with an up-to-date CV.

Alternatively, if you'd like a confidential discussion about the position before applying, please get in touch with John Wilson at Hays Civil Engineering.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are considering a new position within the civil engineering and infrastructure market, please contact Hays for a confidential discussion about your career.

What I changed: I removed company-identifying language and the original branded wording, tightened the advert into your usual Hays structure, and brought the water/wastewater, NEC and capital delivery experience further forward so it performs better as a recruiter advert.

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