Estimator
Grantham, GB, NG31 7LG
Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
Purpose of the Role
As Estimator, you will be home based and report into our Grantham team. The role receives the tender documentation, analyses the file and the customer's requirements, carries out the studies and finds the technical, economic and financial solutions best suited to the project until the tender is submitted.
Main Responsibilities
Compiling estimates for Surface Treatments & Recycling and highways infrastructure projects for both external clients and internal business units. Autonomously undertaking estimates in line with client requirements with direction from senior members of the operations & preconstruction team, whilst ensuring compliance with Colas Ltd ethical working practices and estimating procedures. Comprehensive analysis of tender documentation, highlighting any potential ‘showstoppers’ and key risks to the bidding team and raising appropriate clarifications via the Bid Manager. Using appropriate software to undertake take-off of quantities and to build-up tender price from first principles, and undertaking tasks delegated by senior team members where required.
Engaging with commercial and operational resources to obtain an appropriate understanding of construction methodology whilst drawing on own and team expertise to add value. Developing comprehensive risk and opportunity schedules, which are fully quantified and establishing mitigation measures to de-risk tenders where possible. Liaising with design and operational teams to provide guidance on commercially advantageous solutions to client requirements.
Engaging with procurement teams to obtain material and subcontract pricing when required and providing queries and feedback as appropriate. Attending sites and client meetings and utilising expert knowledge to provide guidance when necessary. Compiling the estimate, preliminaries costs and risk and opportunity schedule for presentation to the appropriate delegate to obtain approval to submit, alongside contribution to any appropriate governance papers or presentation slides. Responding to post-tender clarifications, and leading handovers of successful tenders. Working on a variety of tenders including standalone projects, term maintenance contracts and frameworks with the ability to balance several active tenders at any one time. Contribution to tender quality deliverables providing fundamental project and technical knowledge where appropriate. Maintaining a library of base labour and plant costs to facilitate the completion of tenders. Providing guidance and when required to Trainee / Apprentice Estimators to aid in their development. Contributing to continuous business improvement in own area of expertise to facilitate progression into a more efficient and competitive approach to tendering. Driving cost efficiency and promotion of self-delivery through promotion of the ‘One Colas’ culture.
Ideal Candidate
Experience of working in a Construction / Civil Engineering background would be advantageous but not essential. You will have a minimum of 1yrs experience in a similar or equivalent role and a full UK driving license for occasional site and supplier meetings. A knowledge of using estimating software / MS suite is also desirable to be successful in the role.
Compensation Data
• A salary of £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
• Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
• 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
• Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
• Ongoing personal/professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
Note to Recruitment Agencies :
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.
As a business, we hold three core values Caring, Sharing and Daring.
We are committed to Caring for our colleagues, promoting, equality and diversity, and maintaining a culture of fairness, transparency, and respect for all employees, clients, communities, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
We harness a productive environment where talents are being fully utilised and organisational goals are met, Sharing our knowledge and expertise with colleagues to progress and expand on new ideas, promoting trust, responsibility, and solidarity.
Our culture is built on an innovative and pioneering mindset, Daring to welcome new ideas and approaches. We are driven to invest in our employees and encourage them to participate in innovation, moving forward and striving to provide sustainable infrastructure solutions.
