Cost Estimator

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an FM Cost Estimator to enhance their cost estimation processes for FM and maintenance services in various facilities including offices and retail. The role involves developing accurate pricing models based on industry standards, collaborating with multiple teams, and ensuring compliance with governance requirements. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills, experience in estimation within multi-site environments, and proficiency in relevant tools like SFG20 and Excel.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in estimating or cost planning within FM, M&E services, or building maintenance.
• Experience in producing cost models for multi-site environments.
• Familiarity with asset data and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed cost estimates for FM and maintenance services.
• Build and maintain pricing models using industry standards like SFG20.
• Collaborate with teams to develop accurate pricing and compliance documentation.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Proficiency in SFG20

Understanding of M&E systems

Tools

CAFM systems

Maintenance planning tools

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: FM Cost Estimator

Location: On-site at either London, Birmingham or Manchester office + travel

Main Purpose

To develop accurate, transparent, and auditable cost estimates for FM and maintenance services across M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) and building fabric assets in office buildings and shopping centres. This includes using industry standards such as SFG20 and applying condition-based maintenance methodologies to build reliable pricing models that align with both operational realities and corporate governance requirements.

Overview of Duties

• To produce detailed and compliant estimates for FM and maintenance services.

• To ensure estimates reflect the correct scope, frequency, and methods aligned with statutory, SFG20, condition-based maintenance strategies and BICS methodologies.

• To support finance and operational teams with robust, justifiable models to inform pricing, bids, and new business / contract renewals.

• To develop tools and templates that enhance consistency, transparency, and auditability in pricing models.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain pricing models for planned maintenance services incorporating SFG20 task schedules, statutory compliance, and asset condition
• Evaluate and interpret asset registers, condition surveys, and client specifications to develop scope and resource-based estimates data.
• Apply cost and productivity benchmarks for labour, materials, and subcontractors to ensure estimates are competitive and realistic.
• Collaborate with asset managers, engineers, and surveyors to understand maintenance strategies and integrate them into pricing.
• Prepare clear, auditable documentation that supports internal governance, client assurance, and contract compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, cost trends, and technological developments in FM and building maintenance.
• Assist in reviewing client proposals and tender documents to identify commercial and technical risks or opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating tools and methodologies to enhance accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Proficient in using SFG20, CAFM systems, and maintenance planning tools.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills with ability to build complex cost models and outputs.
• Working knowledge of condition-based and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and commercial audiences.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
• Familiarity with a common commercial contract structures and risk transfer approaches.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in estimating or cost planning within FM, M&E services, or building maintenance.
• Demonstrable experience producing cost models and estimates for multi-site, commercial environments (e.g., offices, retail).
• Understanding of M&E systems (HVAC, electrical, water systems) and building fabric components (doors, windows, roofs, finishes).
• Experience working with technical asset data, condition surveys, and statutory compliance frameworks.
• Previous involvement in tendering or bid support for facilities management or maintenance contracts is desirable.

Personal Attributes:

• Methodical, detail-oriented, and organised in approach.
• Integrity and a commitment to producing high-quality, defensible outputs.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Adaptable and proactive in response to changing project or client needs.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development in estimating best practices and FM technologies.