Lead Estimator

Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.

Purpose of the role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to be based at our head office in Solihull, B37 7YB . The Lead Estimator will lead the estimating function across civil engineering and highways infrastructure projects for both external clients and internal business units. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering high-quality, competitive, and compliant estimates that align with business objectives and client requirements. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction, leadership, and governance across all estimating activities, ensuring adherence to company procedures, ethical standards, and best practice. You will oversee the full tender lifecycle, from initial review through to submission and post-tender engagement, while driving continuous improvement and innovation within the estimating function. Working closely with commercial, operational, design, and procurement teams, you will play a pivotal role in developing robust pricing strategies, identifying risks and opportunities, and delivering value-engineered solutions that enhance competitiveness and support business growth.

Main Responsibilities

As a Lead Estimator, you will take ownership of the preparation and delivery of accurate, compliant, and competitive tenders across a range of civil engineering and highways projects. You will provide strategic oversight of all live bids, leading the detailed review of tender documentation and ensuring that key commercial drivers, risks, and opportunities are identified and effectively managed. You will establish and maintain estimating governance, processes, and procedures, reviewing and challenging estimates, methodologies, and pricing strategies to ensure consistency and accuracy. The role includes leading the development of risk and opportunity schedules, overseeing governance submissions and approvals, and acting as the final authority for estimate sign-off where delegated. Working collaboratively across the business, you will support client engagement during tender stages, ensure successful handover of awarded projects, and foster strong relationships with procurement teams to maximise value and efficiency. You will also maintain estimating databases, benchmarks, and cost libraries, champion innovation and continuous improvement, and contribute to wider business strategy and development initiatives. In addition, you will be responsible for developing and mentoring the estimating team, promoting a positive health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with company procedures and ethical standards, and maintaining accurate records of tendering activity.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Construction, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline, with chartered status being desirable. You will bring significant estimating experience within the civil engineering sector, particularly in highways construction and maintenance, alongside a proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams. You will possess strong commercial awareness, excellent leadership and people management skills, and the ability to think strategically while maintaining attention to detail. Advanced knowledge of estimating software and methodologies is essential, together with exceptional planning, organisational, and analytical capabilities. 

A confident communicator, you will be skilled in stakeholder engagement and client relationship management, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment. You will be adaptable, resilient, solution-focused, and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes while supporting the ongoing development of both the estimating function and the wider business. A full UK driving licence is required.

Package Description

Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:

• Competitive package, including company benefits
• Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
• 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays 
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
• Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
• Ongoing personal / professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal

At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect , Commitment , Pioneering , and Sharing . These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing , we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business. 

Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice. 

Note to Recruitment Agencies

In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.