Senior Estimator - Construction & Groundworks

Who are we?

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.

We are seeking an experienced Estimator with 5 + years proven experience estimating in the Construction industry. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of contracts, excellent financial acumen and strong negotiation and leadership skills. A Quantity Surveyor will a desire to progress into estimating would be a suitable candidate. The successful candidate will have experience in preparing tender rates from first principles, as Smiths self-deliver their works using our own resources.

You will be based from our Head Office (GL2 7ND) working on projects that are across the South-West and South Wales.

What we're looking for?

The Senior Construction Estimator plays a critical role in securing profitable work by leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and commercially sound cost estimates for construction projects across the business.

Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Operational, and Supply Chain teams, the role involves full ownership of the tendering and estimating process—from initial enquiry through to final bid submission. The successful candidate will bring a strategic approach to pricing, strong market awareness, and the ability to identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions.

This role requires a highly experienced professional capable of managing complex tenders, mentoring junior estimators, and contributing to long-term business growth and bidding strategy.

Responsibilities for the job role:

• Working on groundworks and civil engineering projects

• Maintain and develop relationships with clients & suppliers

• Always work closely with the pre-contract team and stakeholders

• Manage incoming tenders, ITT’s and workload

• Arrange and chair tender launch meetings

• Visit site and determine site conditions, where applicable

• Understand the tender / ITT instructions; working with the pre-contract team determine own actions and those to be undertaken by others

• Undertake measurement in accordance with prevailing methods and standards

• Create and deliver sustainable strategies to secure profitable tender & ITT opportunities

• Price detailed tenders, using company software, identifying resource requirements, activity outputs, best subcontractor and supplier rates

• Prepare target prices, budgets and rates from first principles

• Complete cost comparisons

• Price Bills of Quantities and Activity Schedules - prepare compliant tenders & quotations

• Prepare tender books and profit plans for internal tender settlements

• Prepare risk registers for incorporation into the Contract documentation and for use within live projects

• Review and understand tender instructions and proposed conditions of (sub)contract

• Complete tender and submit approved tenders & quotations

• Manage and prepare amendments to tender during the tender process

• Engage with Clients, Consultants and Main Contractors when preparing tenders and actively follow up our submissions to improve likelihood of success

• Help build a scalable estimating team aligned with the future business growth

What can we offer you?

• Be part of a successful family run business 

• Life Assurance Scheme

• Competitive Salary

• Free on-site Parking

• Corporate gym membership discount

• Annual Salary Review 

• Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)

• Progression opportunities

• 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support

What are our core values?

If these values align with yours you are in the right place!

Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.

Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.

Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.

Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.

Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.

Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.