Estimator (Civils)

Costain have won extensive work across the water sector to support the AMP8 investment cycle.

The estimating function within the division is growing to facilitate the increased volume of works being forecast over the next 5 years, with projects varying from £5m to over £250m in value, covering both infrastructure and non-infrastructure assets on water and wastewater sites.

This key role will support confirmed demand with Southern Water, Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent Water, Thames Water and United Utilities as well as new opportunities being pursued across the Water/Wastewater sector.

This role will be home based and will be working closely with the pre-construction, commercial, engineering and operational teams to play a key role in identifying project requirements, assessing risk and opportunity, and developing bids that support successful project delivery.

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• Prepare detailed and accurate estimates for water and wastewater civil engineering projects.
• Review tender documents, drawings, specifications, schedules and scopes of work.
• Develop detailed pricing for civil engineering activities including:
  - Earthworks and excavation
  - Reinforced concrete and structures
  - Pipelines and utilities
  - Roads, access and drainage
  - Treatment works and associated infrastructure
  - Temporary works and site establishment
  - Mechanical and electrical interfaces
• Obtain and analyse quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Develop bills of quantities, rates, build-ups and resource requirements.
• Liaise with designers, engineers, suppliers, subcontractors and clients to clarify scope and technical requirements.
• Identify project risks, assumptions, exclusions and opportunities and ensure these are reflected within the estimate.
• Support the development of construction methodologies and programmes to inform accurate pricing.
• Undertake value engineering and identify opportunities to improve project efficiency and cost.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and ensure estimates are produced in accordance with company procedures.
• Present estimates and tender submissions to senior management and operational teams.
• Support tender negotiations and post-tender clarifications.
• Carry out benchmarking and review historical project data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Support the handover of successful tenders to the commercial and project delivery teams

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• Previous experience as a Civils Estimator within the construction, civil engineering or infrastructure sector.
• Experience estimating projects within the water and wastewater sector is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering construction methods, materials, plant and labour requirements.
• Experience pricing works involving pipelines, earthworks, concrete structures, drainage and water infrastructure.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of project costs, risks and margins.
• Experience obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Good knowledge of estimating and cost management systems, together with strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary pre-construction team. 

• Degree/HND level qualified or equivalent in civil engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction or a related discipline.
• Relevant professional qualification or membership of a recognised industry body.
• Experience working on major UK water infrastructure programmes such as AMP delivery programmes