Cost Estimator

ZipRecruiter; North East; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime project firm is seeking a highly experienced Cost Estimator in Newcastle. The role involves preparing and managing comprehensive cost estimates for a naval shipyard project, requiring strong analytical skills and industry knowledge. Suitable candidates must have over 10 years’ experience in cost estimation and a degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. This position offers a full-time contract and aims to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Qualifications

• More than 10 years’ experience in project cost estimation.
• Competent in preparing detailed Bills of Quantities.
• Ability to evaluate direct and indirect costs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for maritime projects.
• Develop project budgets and cost control processes.
• Conduct quantity take-offs from CAD models.

Skills

Cost estimation for shipyard/maritime projects

Budgeting and forecasting

Detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQs)

Analytical skills

Understanding of supply chain logistics

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

CostX

Excel

Primavera

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Cost Estimator – Naval Shipyard Project
Location: Newcastle, UK
Industry: Maritime / Shipbuilding / Infrastructure
Employment Type: Full-time
Client-Side Role

Job Summary: Our client is seeking a highly experienced Cost Estimator to join their team in Newcastle, supporting a major Naval Shipyard project. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and managing comprehensive cost estimates across all phases of project development, with a strong focus on marine and shipyard infrastructure. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with deep industry knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex estimates involving civil, marine, and industrial construction elements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for shipyard and maritime projects, including dredging, reclamation, and marine structures such as quay walls, jetties, breakwaters, and revetments, as well as associated infrastructure, utilities, industrial workshops, and support facilities.
• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and cost control processes to ensure alignment with overall financial targets and project delivery timelines.
• Prepare and validate comprehensive Bills of Quantities (BoQs), unit rate breakdowns, and pricing schedules in accordance with project specifications and scope.
• Conduct quantity take-offs and measurement analysis from CAD models, technical drawings, and Navisworks files to support accurate cost development.
• Analyze direct and indirect costs, labor and equipment productivity rates, and associated cost drivers, factoring in project location and site conditions.
• Use industry-standard estimation tools (e.g., CostX, Excel, Primavera) to produce, maintain, and update cost models, reports, and tender documentation.
• Monitor and evaluate local (KSA and regional) market conditions, including material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor rates to ensure estimates reflect current market dynamics.
• Identify and assess supply chain constraints, such as lead times, logistics, and delivery schedules, and incorporate them into planning and cost considerations.
• Build in appropriate risk allowances, contingencies, and escalation factors into cost estimates to account for project uncertainties and potential cost variations.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, procurement, and planning teams to ensure alignment between design, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, cost estimation methodologies, and certification standards, applying them consistently across projects.
• Provide cost estimation support during bid preparation, feasibility studies, and tendering, ensuring submissions meet technical and commercial requirements.

Qualifications

• Prior experience on projects cost estimation for shipyard/maritime projects, including dredging, reclamation, and marine structures (quay walls, jetties, breakwaters, revetments, etc.), as well as infrastructure, utilities, industrial workshops, and supporting facilities.
• More than 10 years’ experience in project cost estimation, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in cost estimation (if available).
• Competent in preparing detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQs), cost breakdowns, and unit rates.
• Ability to evaluate direct and indirect costs, equipment/productivity rates, and contingencies.
• Skilled in quantity take-offs from models and drawings.
• Proficient in estimation and planning software (e.g., CostX, Excel, Primavera) or similar tools.
• Ability to use CAD/Navisworks and interpret drawings accurately.
• Knowledge of supply chain challenges, lead times, and logistics.
• Ability to quantify and incorporate risk allowances and contingencies into estimates.