Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator - Contract (6 Months)

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Planner / Estimator (ideally from a main contractor background) for an initial 6-month contract. This role will lead the cost planning function across both 1st and 2nd stage tenders, playing a key part in bid strategy and project conversion.

Key Responsibilities



Bidding & Strategy

• Lead the development of cost planning strategies, programmes, and resource requirements
• Work collaboratively across disciplines (PM, Design, Commercial, Planning, Procurement, Legal, etc.) to ensure aligned input into bids
• Drive transparent and commercially viable solutions aligned to project and client objectives
• Ensure cost plans are compliant with brief, authority, and stakeholder requirements

Governance

• Manage inputs into internal governance processes and review documentation
• Ensure all cost plans are reviewed and endorsed prior to key gateways
• Present cost plans at management and business unit reviews
• Maintain robust internal processes with appropriate independent checks

Cost Planning

• Produce and manage cost plans from early feasibility (RIBA 0/1) through to contract stage (RIBA 4)
• Undertake quantification, pricing, and benchmarking across all project stages
• Work with commercial teams to secure and analyse subcontractor pricing
• Prepare and review preliminaries, incorporating programme, logistics, methodology, and phasing
• Manage external consultants (e.g. BoQ providers), ensuring quality and programme adherence
• Negotiate and assess subcontractor proposals

Design & Cost Control

• Actively contribute to design development and value engineering processes
• Ensure a strong "design to cost" approach, challenging solutions to meet budget targets
• Monitor cost movement through design stages via a running change control process
• Assess design options, risks, and opportunities, advising project teams accordingly
• Support teams in managing variations and commercial risk

Risk & Opportunity Management

• Identify and drive value engineering and cost optimisation opportunities
• Assess and manage commercial risks, contingencies, and design impacts
• Maintain awareness of market conditions and inflation, applying this to cost plans
• Contribute to safe design and delivery processes, including risk reviews during pre-construction

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Cost Planner / Estimator within a main contractor environment
• Strong experience across 1st and 2nd stage tenders
• Ability to lead cost planning from feasibility through to contract award
• Excellent understanding of construction methodologies, procurement, and commercial strategy
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience managing design development, risk, and value engineering processes

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role within a high-performing pre-construction team, contributing to the successful delivery of complex projects.

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