Highways Graduate Estimator

Posted 06 March 2026
Salary £30k - 32k per year
LocationNorthampton
Job type Permanent - Full Time
Discipline Highways, Transport & Infrastructure
ReferenceJO0000065094

Job description

Graduate Estimator - Highways & Infrastructure - Northampton
Are you looking to start your career as a Graduate Estimator within the highways and infrastructure sector? This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to join a growing civil engineering contractor where you will gain hands-on experience supporting the preparation of competitive tenders for highways and infrastructure projects.
My client is seeking a driven Graduate Estimator who is keen to develop their commercial and technical knowledge within a supportive team environment. As a Graduate Estimator, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain exposure to the full tendering lifecycle, helping you build a strong foundation for a long-term career in civil engineering and infrastructure.

About the Company
My client is a well-established civil engineering contractor delivering a wide range of highways and infrastructure projects across the UK. They are recognised for delivering high-quality schemes and for investing in the development of their people. Joining as a Graduate Estimator will give you the opportunity to learn from experienced estimators and commercial specialists while contributing to meaningful infrastructure projects.

The Role and Responsibilities
As a Graduate Estimator, you will play a key supporting role within the commercial and pre-construction team. You will be developing your knowledge of estimating while contributing to the preparation of tenders for highways and infrastructure works.
In this role you will be doing the following:
·Assisting with the preparation of cost estimates and tender submissions for highways and civil engineering projects.
·Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation to understand project requirements.
·Supporting the measurement and quantification of materials, labour and plant requirements.
·Obtaining and analysing quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
·Working closely with senior estimators to help develop competitive pricing strategies.
·Maintaining organised records of tender documentation and cost data.
·Supporting the commercial and project teams during the pre-construction phase.

Skills and Experience
To succeed as a Graduate Estimator, you will ideally demonstrate the following:
·A degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline with a minimum 2:1 classification.
·Strong A-Level results with grades B or above.
·Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
·Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team environment.
·Strong attention to detail and an organised approach to work.
·An interest in developing a career within the highways and infrastructure sector.

Salary and Benefits
·Salary up to £32,000, dependent on experience
·Opportunity to gain hands-on experience across highways and infrastructure projects
·Supportive team environment with mentoring from experienced estimators
·Exposure to the full tendering and pre-construction process
·Long-term career development opportunities within the business

Career Development, Location and Working Pattern
This Graduate Estimator role is office-based in Northampton, offering an excellent opportunity to develop your technical and commercial skills early in your career. My client is committed to supporting professional development and progression, giving you the opportunity to grow into more senior estimating or commercial roles over time.

Interested in starting your career as a Graduate Estimator?
If you are looking to begin your career as a Graduate Estimator and want to gain valuable experience within the highways and infrastructure sector, please get in touch or submit your CV to be considered.

FOOTNOTE:
If you feel that you are right for this role technically, but the salary, location or seniority does not suit you specifically then please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for roles very similar to this one at all levels UK Wide. We are always keen to chat with you discreetly about your employment situation.
Even if you are happy in your current role for now, we always welcome calls from Highways professionals keen to make their introductions for future months or years. Carrington West's Highways, Transport & Infrastructure division is the fastest growing in the country, our specialist team has a combined over 100+ years' experience in this market. Please call Jordan Townley at Carrington West on 023 9431 4917 or email Jordan.townley@carringtonwest.com for more information.
By applying for this position, you are agreeing for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will be shared with third-party clients specifically relevant to any roles you have applied for. If at any stage, you wish to withdraw your consent please contact us.