Estimator

Estimator — London

Location: London
Salary: Competitive
Contract: Permanent, Full time
Department: Construction / Engineering

Estimator Job summary

The client is a Tier 1 contractor seeking an Estimator to prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates for direct work packages and preliminaries on major infrastructure projects. You will play a key role in the commercial bid process by building pricing models, coordinating with technical teams, and ensuring construction methodology, programme constraints and risk are reflected in the estimate. 

Estimator Key responsibilities

• Support business development and bid submissions by preparing competitive, high-quality estimates.

• Produce first-principles and unit-rate costings for work packages and associated preliminaries.

• Work closely with technical, planning and construction teams to integrate construction methodology, temporary works and logistics into cost plans.

• Obtain, validate and negotiate quotes and rates from subcontractors and suppliers.

• Coordinate estimations with colleagues across the estimating team to ensure consistency and alignment.

• Assess cost implications of identified project risks and contribute to risk registers and QRA inputs.

• Monitor and update budgets as designs evolve to maintain cost control and value.

• Cost and evaluate design changes during the tender stage.

• Maintain and enhance internal cost databases, market intelligence and performance benchmarks between tender cycles.

Estimator Technical skills & competencies

• Strong practical knowledge of estimating techniques and construction methodology.

• Proven ability with first-principles estimating and both top-down and bottom-up approaches.

• Proficiency in CCS (Candy Construction Software).

• Experience of BIM-based cost models and familiarity with risk tools such as QRA.

• Advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis).

• Accurate take-off and measurement skills.

• Excellent numerical, analytical and data interpretation ability.

• High attention to detail and ability to deliver under pressure to tight deadlines.

• Strong communicator with presentation skills able to explain complex information simply.

• Collaborative team player who can also work independently and take initiative.

• Resilient, solution-focused and adaptable.

Key Qualifications & experience

• Relevant estimating experience within a main contractor or Tier 2 contractor environment.

• Proven track record on large-scale infrastructure projects (values from £50m to multi-hundreds of millions / billions).

• Expertise in CCS (Candy Construction Software) is essential.

• Sector experience in one or more of the following is desirable: Rail, Ports, Marine, Smart Buildings, Heavy Civils, Tunnelling or Airports.

If this role is of interest please apply now and we will be in touch shortly to discuss the next steps in the process. 

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