Lead Estimator

Job Advert: Lead Estimator
Location: Warwick (Hybrid working 2 days a week in Warwick office Mon & Tues)
Contract length: 6-Months (Potential to Extend)
Pay Rate: -600 per day via Umbrella (inside IR35)

Are you an experienced estimator looking to make an impact in the utilities and energy sector? Our client, a leader in securing Britain''s energy supply, is seeking a dynamic Lead Estimator for a Fixed Term Contract of 6 months. This is your chance to contribute to projects that power homes and businesses while supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future!

What You''ll Do:

As a Lead Estimator, you''ll be instrumental in ensuring financial accuracy and strategic alignment across complex infrastructure projects. You''ll collaborate with engineering and commercial teams to develop robust cost estimates, manage risks, and support decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Estimation: Develop detailed, analytical cost estimates from first principles, ensuring accuracy and transparency across all project phases.
• Scope Definition & Validation: Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and project teams to define project scopes, identify data gaps, and validate inputs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Lead estimation workshops and meetings with internal and external stakeholders to align on scope, methodology, and assumptions.
• Risk & Opportunity Assessment: Participate in risk workshops, quantify cost impacts, and incorporate appropriate contingencies and opportunities into estimates.
• Technical Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering documentation including P&IDs, general arrangement drawings, and technical specifications.
• Benchmarking & Market Intelligence: Use historical data, supplier quotes, and market trends to validate estimates and support commercial decisions.
• Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in estimation tools, templates, and governance processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Governance & Documentation: Ensure all estimates are fully documented with clear assumptions, version control, and audit trails in line with internal governance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cost engineers, planners, procurement, and finance teams to support project controls and reporting.

Key Skills and Experience

• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., ACostE, ICES, RICS) is desirable but not essential.
• Proven experience in cost estimation for large-scale infrastructure or capital projects, ideally within the energy, utilities, or construction sectors.
• Familiarity with regulated environments and public infrastructure frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to build estimates from first principles.
• Proficient in interpreting technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Solid understanding of project lifecycles, cost control, and commercial principles.
• Proficiency in cost estimation tools (e.g., Cleopatra, CostX, Excel-based models).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for future suitable vacancies.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone''s chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.