Civils Cost Engineer

Location: Leeds - Hybrid

Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive + Car/Car Allowance + Flexible Benefits

  Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Civils Cost Engineer to join our team, supporting the delivery of accurate and competitive cost estimates across a diverse portfolio of construction projects.

This role plays a key part in the work-winning function, contributing to robust and defensible prime cost build-ups from pre-tender through to post-tender stages. You’ll be instrumental in strengthening bid competitiveness and enabling informed commercial decision-making.

Working closely with estimating, commercial, procurement, and project delivery teams, you will help ensure all tenders are accurate, compliant, and aligned with business objectives.

  Some of the key deliverables in this role will include:

• Producing accurate take-offs and Bills of Quantities for building and civils works
• Reviewing tender documentation and raising technical and commercial queries with clients
• Issuing enquiries to the supply chain and managing quotation returns
• Analysing and adjudicating subcontractor and supplier quotations to build robust prime costs
• Identifying and evaluating project risks and opportunities within estimates
• Supporting the development of competitive bid strategies
• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure alignment on scope, cost, and delivery approach
• Maintaining awareness of market conditions, pricing trends, and competitor activity
• Ensuring all estimates comply with company standards, processes, and governance
• Supporting tender presentations and client engagement where required
• Managing accurate records and documentation for all estimating activities
• Assisting with handover of tender information to project delivery teams post-award

  What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for a detail-oriented and commercially aware professional who thrives in a collaborative environment. You’ll be someone who:

• Has 3–5 years’ experience working for a main or principal contractor in an estimating or commercial role
• Demonstrates strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate multiple cost scenarios
• Has experience in building and civils estimating
• Is confident working with supply chain partners and internal stakeholders
• Understands construction methodologies, cost drivers, and risk management
• Can interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation accurately
• Is proactive, organised, and able to meet tight deadlines
• Shows initiative and a continuous improvement mindset
• Communicates effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Desirable:

• Design, commercial, or procurement background
• Working knowledge of complementary disciplines
• Relevant design or commercial qualifications

Benefits:

We’re committed to supporting our people and offer a flexible and competitive benefits package, including:

• Car/Car allowance
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)
• Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution
• Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
• Private Medical Insurance
• Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (including counselling and legal advice)
• Flexible benefits such as Dental Insurance, Gym Membership, Travel Insurance, and Cycle to Work scheme
• Ongoing personal development and training opportunities

 

Next Steps: 

As a business, we’re on a journey to build on our culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. This starts with recruitment and how we bring people into the organisation.  

We’ll do our best to outline the recruitment process to you ahead of time with plenty of notice. If you require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met. 

About Us: 

We are one of the leading independent engineering and services businesses in the UK. Founded in 1921, with a turnover of £500m and 3000 employees, we are proud of our history of developing great people through our investment in training. 

Working across a variety of sectors within the building and infrastructure industry, our innovative, responsible and forward-thinking approach allows us to work on fantastic ground-breaking projects, providing solutions using the latest tools and technologies. 

Progression is something we value, and we will make sure that when you join us you have a clearly defined development path, supported by regular reviews, training and ongoing support to enable you to be the best you can be. 

#LI-VB1