Cost Consultant (Estimators & Cost Planners)

Gleeds; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and qualifications opportunities

Generous holiday allowance

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Gleeds is seeking a Cost Consultant to join their team in multiple locations across the UK, including Manchester and London. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the infrastructure sector, focusing on cost planning and estimating. This permanent, full-time position offers flexible working arrangements, providing a great opportunity to develop specialist skills within a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities include producing estimates and supporting project deliverables through all maturity stages. Candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a relevant educational background in Quantity Surveying or a related field.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the infrastructure sector (Rail, Highways, Aviation, Utilities, Water, Power and general Civils)
• Experience in Estimating, Cost Planning, or Quantity Surveying within infrastructure or construction.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Producing estimates and cost plans across project maturity stages.
• Carrying out quantity take-offs using industry-standard software tools.
• Supporting the review and assurance of estimates and cost plans.

Skills

Estimating

Cost Planning

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Degree/HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

• Location: Multiple Locations (Manchester, London, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol)
• Permanent
• Full-time with flexible working and core hours

Gleeds is a leading global property and construction consultancy. Independent since 1875, we are proud to deliver award-winning projects around the world. We are an accredited Great Place to Work, with our people at the heart of everything we do. Gleeds Infrastructure specialise in delivering projects worldwide with extensive experience in the Rail, Water & Utilities, Aviation, and Transportation & Highway sectors. Our goal is to deliver Infrastructure that leaves a positive, lasting legacy when well-integrated into the physical, human, and economic environment. Whether it’s a rail link, wind farm, or flood defence barrier, the goal is to create tangible benefits for individuals, communities, and economies.

Cost Consultant (Estimators & Cost Planners)

proven experience in the infrastructure sector (Rail, Highways, Aviation, Utilities, Water, Power and general Civils)

Our team supports some of the UK’s most complex and high-profile infrastructure programmes across Rail, Aviation, Water, Utilities, Power, Highways and General civils helping clients develop robust business cases, make informed investment decisions, and safeguard commercial outcomes. Estimating sits at the heart of infrastructure decision‑making. Our team specialises in developing high-quality estimates and cost intelligence across the full project lifecycle from early strategic business case estimates through to detailed delivery phase cost plans and independent assurance. Our work combines industry best practice estimating methodologies, structured benchmarking, digital cost intelligence, and rigorous assurance to provide clients with confidence in their investment decisions.

We offer a wide range of estimating services, including:

• Estimate and cost plan production across all levels of maturity
• Independent estimate assurance and challenge
• Benchmarking and cost intelligence development
• Major programme and estimating framework setup

This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialist estimating expertise within a highly regarded and collaborative team.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Producing estimates and cost plans and supporting the development of estimating and cost planning deliverables across different stages of project maturity
• Carrying out quantity take-offs using industry-standard software tools and structured Methods of Measurement (e.g. NRM, RMM, CESSM, MMHW)
• Supporting the review and assurance of estimates and cost plans
• Supporting benchmarking and cost intelligence development
• Supporting the quantification and analysis of estimate uncertainty and contingency
• Analysing cost data to support identification of cost drivers, trends, and risks
• Preparing clear and structured Basis of Estimate documentation
• Working closely with design teams, engineers, and project stakeholders to understand scope and cost implications
• Supporting the continuous development of our estimating tools, processes, and data
• Participating in professional development, training, and continuous learning activities

Who we're looking for:

• We are interested in candidates from a range of backgrounds and experience levels. You may have:
• Experience in Estimating, Cost Planning, or Quantity Surveying within infrastructure or construction
• An interest in developing specialist expertise in infrastructure estimating and cost planning
• Experience working on infrastructure projects (desirable but not essential)
• A degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or a related discipline OR relevant practical experience in infrastructure or construction delivery
• An understanding of construction methods, project delivery, and cost drivers
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Professional membership of RICS, ACostE, CICES, CIOB, or similar is desirable but not essential. Gleeds will support your professional development and chartership

What we can offer you in return:

• Clear opportunities to develop and grow your career through training and qualifications.
• Fantastic networking opportunities to grow your brand and expand your understanding of the industry.
• Generous holiday allowance plus the option to purchase additional days through the holiday purchase scheme.
• Highly competitive salary and the opportunity to increase this through continuous reviews.
• Employee Assistance Programme to ensure your health and personal well‑being comes first.
• Our global travel scholarship programme gives you the unique opportunity to gain global experience.
• Flexible working arrangements to ensure you have a healthy work‑life balance.
• Volunteering opportunities to engage with your local community or charitable organisations.
• Unparalleled support from central teams and a company recognised as a Great Place to Work.

About us

Gleeds is a global property and construction consultancy with over 150 years of expertise, operating in 28 countries worldwide. From iconic landmarks to critical infrastructure, we drive innovation, sustainability and value, delivering transformative projects that shape communities and redefine the built environment.

As a certified Great Place to Work, Gleeds promotes an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We uphold Fairness, Inclusion, and Respect (FIR) and embrace team diversity. As an equal opportunities' employer, we provide support, flexibility and accessibility. For reasonable adjustments, contact our Talent Team at [e-mail]