Location
Central London (Home based role)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Project based - up to £5,000,000 per project

About the Role
Costain has secured extensive work across the water sector to support the AMP8 investment cycle. The estimating function within the division is expanding to manage the increased volume of projects forecast over the next five years, ranging from £5m to over £250m in value. These projects cover 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 across the Water/Wastewater sector.

This home-based role involves close collaboration with pre-construction, commercial, engineering, and operational teams to identify project requirements, assess risks and opportunities, and develop bids that support successful project delivery.

Key responsibilities include preparing detailed and accurate estimates for civil engineering projects, reviewing tender documents, drawings, specifications, and scopes of work, and developing pricing for activities such as earthworks, reinforced concrete, pipelines, roads, treatment works, temporary works, and mechanical and electrical interfaces. The role also involves obtaining and analysing quotations from subcontractors and suppliers, developing bills of quantities, rates, and resource requirements, liaising with stakeholders to clarify scope and technical requirements, identifying project risks and opportunities, supporting construction methodologies and programmes, undertaking value engineering, maintaining accurate estimating records, presenting estimates to senior management, supporting tender negotiations, benchmarking, and supporting handover to commercial and project delivery teams.

Experience
Previous experience as a Civils Estimator within construction, civil engineering, or infrastructure sectors is essential. Experience estimating projects within the water and wastewater sector is highly desirable. Strong understanding of civil engineering construction methods, materials, plant, and labour requirements is required. Proven experience pricing works involving pipelines, earthworks, concrete structures, drainage, and water infrastructure. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and tender documentation. 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 (Candy desirable) and 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.

About you
Commercially aware with a strong understanding of project costs, risks, and margins. Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively. Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with designers, engineers, suppliers, subcontractors, and clients. Motivated to contribute to successful project delivery and continuous improvement in estimating accuracy.

Qualifications
Degree or HND level qualification (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction, or a related discipline. Relevant professional qualification or membership of a recognised industry body is preferred. Experience working on major UK water infrastructure programmes such as AMP delivery programmes is advantageous.