EHV Civils Estimator

The Company Our client are an innovator within the provision of integrated utility infrastructure solutions. Specialising in delivering technically complex, large-scale infrastructure for energy and communications clients across the UK and Europe, they are backed by strong private equity investment and over 25 years of operational excellence.

The Role As an EHV Civils Estimator, you’ll be responsible for producing detailed first-principles cost estimates for Extra High Voltage (EHV) underground cable routes (typically 132kV–400kV). Your estimates will be built from scratch, utilising your in-depth understanding of trenching, ducting, joint bays, street works, and permitting, to ensure every submission is compliant, accurate, and commercially viable.

You’ll work closely with engineering, construction, commercial, and procurement teams, contributing to bid strategies that win projects and support successful delivery. What You'll Be Doing Estimating & Cost Development Develop first-principles cost estimates for civil elements of EHV cable routes. Build up rates for trenching, joint bays, HDD/trenchless crossings, duct installation, backfill, and reinstatement.

Factor in labour, plant, materials, and prelims based on real productivity norms. Tailor cost models to reflect route-specific constraints, phasing, and methodology. Streetworks & Compliance Incorporate NRSWA legislation, permit schemes, lane rental costs, and traffic management plans. Price for night/weekend working, embargo periods, and restricted access scenarios.

Ensure reinstatement types and guarantee periods are fully costed and compliant. Technical & Route Understanding Review civil drawings, utility records, and GI data to inform your cost assumptions. Understand cable system requirements, e.g. thermal backfill, spacing, and installation tolerances. Identify and account for SEDs, congested zones, or third-party interfaces.

Commercial & Risk Awareness Clearly document key cost drivers, risks, assumptions, and exclusions. Prepare risk-adjusted pricing, contingency allowances, and transparent audit trails. Support internal bid reviews and handovers to delivery. Tender Support & Subcontract Management Create pricing schedules, BoQs, and breakdowns.

Assess subcontractor/supplier quotations. Respond to tender clarifications and support post-submission queries.

What You'll Need

To Succeed 5+ years’ experience estimating civils works for EHV/HV cable route projects. Proven ability to estimate from first principles using real-world productivity. Excellent knowledge of NRSWA, local authority permit schemes, and streetworks regulations. Strong skills in MS Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook. Experience interpreting utility route layouts, GI data, and technical specs.