Highways Estimator

Job Title: Highways Estimator
Reporting to: Managing Director
Location: Bolton
Travel: Regular travel to sites across the North West required
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent (subject to successful completion of a three-month probationary period)
Remuneration Package
·£50,000 - £55,000 per annum (depending on experience)
·Car Allowance
·Annual Profit-Related Bonus
·Workplace Pension
·Accident and Life Cover (post-probation)
·35 days' holiday including bank holidays (with sufficient days required for the Christmas shutdown)
About the Company
Our client is a specialist civil engineering and highways contractor, delivering sustainable infrastructure projects for local and transport authorities across the North West of England. With over 75 years of experience in highway construction, the company has built a strong reputation for executing complex projects with precision, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Working primarily on long-term framework contracts, the business generates approximately 80% of its revenue from local authority agreements spanning between 4 to 10 years. Additionally, it supports house builders and Tier 1 contractors with S278 and S38 works, ensuring the successful delivery of essential infrastructure.
Committed to social and environmental responsibility, the company consistently outperforms competitors in quality bids and social value initiatives. With a strong forward order book extending over four years, the company offers a stable and rewarding career for professionals in the civil engineering sector.
Role Overview
The Estimator will be responsible for preparing and submitting estimates for civil engineering and highways schemes. This will include cost analysis from Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and drawings, as well as engaging in early contractor involvement (ECI) to develop effective project solutions. The successful candidate will negotiate with clients, contribute to business development strategies, and work closely with the bid and commercial teams to secure and deliver high-quality projects.
Key Responsibilities
·Preparing and submitting estimates for highways and civil engineering schemes based on BOQs and drawings
·Negotiating with clients, attending site meetings, taking measurements, and agreeing on methods of working
·Engaging with clients in early contractor involvement (ECI) for future projects
·Producing project programmes (MS Project) and method statements
·Collaborating with the Procurement Manager to develop key supply chain partnerships
·Supporting the Managing Director and bid team with PQQ/framework submissions
·Preparing detailed handover files for site teams, outlining cost assumptions and targets
·Assisting the commercial team with compensation events and contract variations
·Contributing to the business development strategy alongside the commercial team
Essential Criteria
·Experience in highways estimating or a senior quantity surveying role
·Proficiency in estimating software such as Causeway, Candy, or similar packages
·Strong communication and negotiation skills
·Experience in a commercial or engineering role within the construction industry
·Knowledge of NEC3 contracts and Standard Method of Measurement 7
·Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines
·Full UK driving licence
·Proficiency in MS Office and MS Project
·Strong presentation skills
Desirable Criteria
·Experience in writing method statements
·Knowledge or qualification in construction health and safety
·Experience in bid writing
·Familiarity with take-off software
 
FOOTNOTE:

If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the salary, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
 
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Carrington West's Highways, Transport & Infrastructure division is the fastest growing in the country, our specialist team has a combined over 100+ years' experience in this market. Please call Jordan Townley at Carrington West on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) for more information.
 
By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third-party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please contact us.