Job Description

Senior Estimator – Civil Engineering & Infrastructure
Location: Kildare (Office-Based, Hybrid Model)
Salary: DOE (€80,000 or Higher)
Sector: Civil Engineering – Roads, Rail, Marine, Water
Role Type: Permanent | Monday – Friday | Full-Time

About the Role
Optimize Recruitment, working closely with our client, are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join a highly regarded civil contractor with a long-standing track record in delivering major infrastructure projects across Ireland. Based in Kildare with a hybrid working option (2 days WFH), the role sits within a centralised pre-construction team responsible for securing high-profile civil engineering projects.

Working alongside regional estimating offices and supported by bid managers, planners, and proposals teams, the successful candidate will play a key role in preparing competitive tenders and ensuring commercial success.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience (€75k–€90k)
• Strong pension contribution
• Private healthcare cover
• 26 Days Annual Leave
• Training & development pathways encouraged
• Hybrid working (2 days WFH)
• Career progression within a leading contractor

Responsibilities

• Lead estimates from pre-positioning through to final submission
• Prepare cost estimates using Candy or similar software
• Coordinate with pre-construction, estimating, and bid teams
• Engage with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners
• Participate in bid meetings and project handovers
• Organise tender enquiries and administer submissions
• Identify cost-effective and safe solutions during optioneering
• Maintain cost data and benchmarking resources
• Oversee production of take-offs and measured quantities
• Represent the estimating team in interviews and post-bid reviews
• Support governance and reporting to head office tender desks

Requirements

• Level 8 Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or similar
• 7+ years’ experience, ideally with a Tier 1 or 2 contractor
• Proven background in estimating civil infrastructure bids
• Familiarity with roads, bridges, rail, marine, or utility projects
• Strong understanding of Irish market measurement & contract forms
• Experience using Candy (or similar) highly desirable
• Excellent commercial awareness and communication skills
• Leadership capabilities and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Irish or UK experience highly advantageous

For additional information and a confidential discussion on this and similar opportunities, contact Shane Fleming on 083 0885073 or email Shane@optimizerecruitment.ie.
Please e-mail your CV with the Vacancy Reference OR-13221in the subject line. All applications will be handled in strict confidence, and your CV will not be shared without prior approval.
Job Ref Number: OR-13221
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