Due to continuing expansion, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated individual to work within the company based in our office in Netherley. (with travel as required)

About the Role

You will lead the estimating function on a range of civil engineering projects, producing accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders.

Working closely with operational, commercial and planning teams, you will manage the full tender lifecycle from initial enquiry through to submission, ensuring risks, opportunities, methodology and programme are fully considered and reflected in pricing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the preparation of detailed estimates for civil engineering tenders. 
  • Review ITT documentation, drawings, specifications and contract conditions (including NEC). 
  • Prepare take-offs and develop rates for labour, plant, materials, temporary works and subcontract packages. 
  • Obtain, analyse and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations. 
  • Develop tender clarifications, assumptions and exclusions. 
  • Work with planners to integrate construction methodology and programme into pricing. 
  • Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities within tenders. 
  • Support bid strategy, value engineering and alternative proposals. 
  • Lead estimating handovers to delivery teams post-award. 
  • Maintain cost databases, benchmarking data and estimating best practice. 
  • Mentor and support junior estimators where required. 
  • Present estimates and key risks clearly to senior management. 

Essential Requirements

  • Proven experience in estimating within civil engineering (e.g. earthworks, drainage, structures, highways, utilities). 
  • Strong commercial awareness with the ability to build estimates from first principles. 
  • Good working knowledge of NEC contracts and UK construction procurement. 
  • Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines under pressure. 
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. 
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Excel. 
  • Full UK driving licence. 

Desirable

  • HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying or similar. 
  • Experience with estimating software (e.g. Causeway, Candy, CostX, Bluebeam). 
  • Professional membership (ICE, CIOB, RICS). 
Recruitment 11

Why Join Us?

  • Competitive salary and benefits package. 
  • Opportunity to play a key role in high-value infrastructure projects. 
  • Career progression within a growing and respected contractor. 
  • Support for professional development and training. 
  • Work within a collaborative and safety-focused environment. 

How to apply

Please send your CV to hr@wmdonald.co.uk

or call 01569 730590 for more info. 
 

Why choose a career at W M Donald?

Since 1977, W M Donald has grown to be the leading civil engineering and construction company in the North-East and beyond. We're not just offering jobs – we're offering exciting opportunities for growth and development in a thriving and innovative company.

If you're ready to take your career to the next level and be a part of a dynamic team, then you've come to the right place. Watch the video to see what a career at W M Donald can look like and follow the link below to learn more about the benefits that come with the role.