Senior Estimator - Construction & Groundworks

Join a Growing Business Where Your Expertise Makes a Real Impact.

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is one of the South West's leading family-owned businesses, operating across Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport. Since 1982, we have grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company into a diverse and successful group, whilst retaining the family values, integrity and commitment that have shaped our success.

With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury, we deliver projects across the South West and South Wales and are continuing to invest in our people, capabilities and future growth.

We are now looking for an experienced Senior Construction Estimator to join our Head Office team in Gloucester (GL2 7ND).

This is an excellent opportunity for an established Estimator seeking their next challenge, or an ambitious Quantity Surveyor looking to transition into an estimating role. You'll play a key role in securing and shaping high-value groundworks and civil engineering projects, working alongside experienced operational, commercial and pre-construction teams.

What makes this role different is our ability to self-deliver projects using our own extensive fleet, plant, labour and in-house resources, giving you greater control, accuracy and confidence when preparing tenders from first principles.

About the Role

As Senior Construction Estimator, you will take ownership of the tendering process from initial enquiry through to final submission, ensuring competitive, commercially robust and profitable bids are delivered to the highest standard.

Working across a diverse portfolio of groundworks and civil engineering projects, you will collaborate closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders to identify opportunities, manage risk and contribute directly to the continued success and growth of the business.

This is a senior position with genuine influence, offering the opportunity to mentor others, help develop our estimating function and play a key role in our long-term business strategy.

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing detailed estimates and tender submissions for groundworks and civil engineering projects

• Managing multiple tender opportunities and workloads simultaneously

• Reviewing tender documentation and identifying project risks and opportunities

• Producing rates, target costs and budgets from first principles

• Pricing Bills of Quantities, Activity Schedules and quotations

• Carrying out site visits to assess conditions and project requirements

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors

• Collaborating with Commercial, Operational and Pre-Construction teams throughout the bid process

• Preparing tender settlement documents, profit plans and risk registers

• Negotiating and obtaining best-value supplier and subcontractor quotations

• Leading tender launch meetings and coordinating internal bid teams

• Identifying value engineering opportunities to improve project outcomes

• Following up tender submissions to maximise conversion success

• Supporting the development and growth of the estimating team

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years' experience within the construction industry

• Strong knowledge of groundworks, civil engineering or infrastructure projects

• Ability to prepare rates and tenders from first principles

• Excellent commercial awareness and financial acumen

• Strong understanding of construction contracts and tender processes

• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills

• A proactive and strategic approach to problem solving

• Previous experience mentoring or supporting junior team members is desirable

• Quantity Surveyors seeking to move into estimating are encouraged to apply

What We Offer

At Smiths, we recognise that our people are our greatest asset. In return for your expertise and commitment, we offer:

• Competitive salary

• Company car or car allowance

• Annual salary review

• Life assurance scheme

• Earn Additional Annual Leave with Length of Service

• Corporate gym membership discount

• Free on-site parking

• Employee discounts, including 50% off skip hire and discounts across our group services

• Career progression and professional development opportunities

• 24/7 confidential mental health and wellbeing support

• The opportunity to join a successful, growing family-run business where your contribution is genuinely valued

Our Values

Our values define who we are and how we work:

Honesty - We believe honesty is the foundation of every successful relationship.

Family Values - We treat colleagues, customers and partners with respect, professionalism and integrity.

Hard Work - We believe anything is possible with determination, commitment and the right people.

Reliability - We take pride in delivering on our promises and exceeding expectations.

Environmental Sustainability - We are committed to reducing emissions, minimising waste and recycling over 90% of the waste we process, helping to create a more sustainable future.

Interested?

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a real impact, work on exciting projects and build a long-term career with a successful and growing business, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of the Smiths team.