City/Town
All
Region
National
Vacancies
2
Salary Minimum
£54,940
Post Type
Permanent
Job ID
35104
Closing date
13 Jul 2026
Published date
14 Jun 2026
Grade
Staff Grade 6
Role type
Commercial
Security check
Basic Check
Job description
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.
The Senior Estimator role requires developing estimators to help provide accurate and robust estimates from the early design stages through to setting target costs for projects.
Responsibilities include:
● Producing estimates of project and whole-life cost from project inception to construction contract award to develop and present costs using bottom-up and top-down methodologies. Training on Environment Agency specific applications and tools will be provided to successful candidates.
● Informing project teams on the Client Set Target prices for NEC4,PSC and ECC contracts and compensation events.
● Interrogating and assuring value for money. Working with our delivery partners to assess and challenge sub-contractor costs and overall programme.
● Working with internal project management and commercial benchmarking teams.
● Understanding and communicating the cost estimates produced.
● Providing support and buildability advice to find efficient project solutions.
● Compiling actual cost data into the correct format and uploading it to the database.
● Maintaining estimate records and progress.
● Aligned to the EA’s Delivery Hubs and a key contact for delivery teams, you’ll be the local estimating expert; maintaining an awareness of local project progress and upcoming workload, reporting on estimates and work completed.
● Attend various meetings both internal and external to give progress reporting, forecasts, industry and process updates, as well as recurring Environment Agency conferences.
Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises.Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.
This job sits within the Commercial and Framework Management (CaFM) team, part of Portfolio Management, Assurance & Commercial directorate.
CaFM provide Commercial and Framework Management services; Commercial Risk Management, Should Cost and Benchmarking Intelligence, Operational Framework Management, Future Framework Provision, and a Centre of Excellence (CoE).
The CAFM team is divided into five separate teams:
Commercial Centre of Excellence
Operational Framework Management
Future Frameworks
Should Cost and Benchmarking Intelligence
Commercial Assurance & Improvements
For the Senior Estimator role, we require the following at a minimum:
Estimating using first principles and top down using model driven data.
Experience of estimating for professional design services and construction contracts.
Experience estimating in a relevant field e.g., civils, flood risk management, waterways, mechanical & electrical.
Experience of standard forms of construction contracts (NEC3 and 4) and the infrastructure and construction industry.
Combination of professionalism in dealing with stakeholders and confidence in representing the client or contractor’s interests in Value for Money and Client set target costs.
Excellent use of Microsoft software, financial, and commercial skills.
Project management and personal time management.
Experience of working in a commercial environment would be advantageous.
ACostE/RICS accredited (or equivalent) or willingness to work towards appropriate accreditation.
Please note, this role does NOT qualify for sponsorship, so you should contact UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration, where you can seek professional advice based on your personal circumstances.
Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate the demands that personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development
It is a hybrid working role with an expectation of regularly visiting the regional Hub or delivery partner offices, as well as training and conferences that take place.
For further information please contact:
Estimating Manager: [email protected]
Or in his absence
Senior Estimator: [email protected]
Interviews due to take place w/c: 03/08/26
#LI-DNI
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question:
The Estimator is an integral part of programme, project delivery and asset management providing estimates to advise on target costs. Please describe how you approach cost estimating for scopes that differ in maturity i.e. Outline design / detailed design, pre-SOC/SOC/OBC/FBC and how you ensure stakeholders understand the level of confidence in the estimate. Please give an example from your experience.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question:
Please give an example of a time when you have had to support others in a team?
- Why did they need support?
- What was the impact on you?
- What did you do to support them?
- How did that change things?
- What feedback did you receive?
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question:
Estimators within the Environment Agency are required to demonstrate a combination of general professionalism, as well as confidence and robustness in their estimates that support Client Set Cost contracts awards.
Please describe how you have managed relationships with internal and external parties in a complex commercial setting e.g. post tender submission discussions with clients, pre-start meetings. Demonstrate how you resolve conflict and reach collaborative agreements with other parties.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.