Senior Estimator - Highways


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£60,000 to £80,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Beaconsfield, HP9 2PP
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	20 Oct 2026
Closing date:	19 Nov 2026

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Summary

Your new company

You will be joining an industry-leading and renowned Tier 1 contractor operating within the highways industry, delivering major programmes of work for National Highways. With an average package value of £80m - £90m and programmes running for at least eight years, this is an opportunity to work within a substantial, long-term pipeline of highways projects. The multi-accredited and high-profile contractor combines the scale and stability of major strategic contracts with a continued focus on safety, commercial performance and the development of its people. As part of their continued growth, they are actively seeking a Senior Estimator to join their team.

This is a full-time permanent position based out of their Buckinghamshire office with hybrid working (3 days' remote per week) and flexible working hours.

Your new role

As Senior Estimator, you'll take responsibility for producing accurate and sustainable estimates, budgets and target costs for highways projects, with the autonomy to manage bids through preparation, completion and submission.

Your responsibilities will include:

Producing detailed first principles estimates covering labour, plant, materials and subcontract costs

Reviewing tender and client documentation to determine pricing requirements

Carrying out quantity take-offs and preparing formal Bills of Quantities (BOQs)

Managing supply chain enquiries and evaluating subcontractor quotations

Assessing and pricing project risks and opportunities

Reviewing contractual requirements and their implications

Challenging operational solutions and construction programmes to develop competitive submissions

Benchmarking estimates against current market conditions

Engaging directly with clients to resolve queries and demonstrate confidence in the proposed solution

Preparing information for governance reviews

Providing a structured handover to commercial and operational teams following successful tenders

What you'll need to succeed

In order to be successful, you must have:

Experience estimating within highways, infrastructure or civil engineering

Proven track record of developing successful and profitable tenders

Commercial awareness and confidence in building estimates from first principles

Excellent analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills

Ability to manage several competing deadlines

Experience using Candy or Causeway estimating software

Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities

Full UK driving licence.

What you'll get in return

In return, you will receive:

Starting salary up to £80,000 per annum (negotiable depending on experience)

Company car (electric or hybrid) or car allowance

28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid working (3 days' remote per week)

Fuel card

Discretionary bonus scheme

Matched pension scheme

Life assurance

Fully covered accommodation for office days and site visits, where applicable

Private healthcare and a healthcare cash plan

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Retail discounts

Reward schemes

Opportunity to work on high-impact and rewarding projects

Collaborative and supportive team environment

Industry-recognised training and development programmes

Opportunity to grow and progress your career with an industry-leading Tier 1 contractor and more.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role and meet the criteria above, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Please note: applicants must hold existing UK work authorisation; visa sponsorship cannot be provided for this position.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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