Cost Intelligence Estimator - Water & Major Infrastructure

Cumming Group UK & Europe; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumming Group is seeking an Estimator to join its Cost Intelligence team, focusing on water-sector and major infrastructure projects. The role supports early-stage cost estimates on complex, regulated programmes.

The role requires experience with top-down and parametric estimating, asset-based CBS structures, and cost intelligence methodologies, in a client-facing environment with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience estimating major civil or water infrastructure projects.
• Experience working in the UK water sector or regulated infrastructure.
• Knowledge of top-down and parametric estimating techniques.
• Experience using cost intelligence frameworks and CBS structures.
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, QS or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Prepare quantities and cost build-ups from drawings, specs and early design information.
• Develop capital cost estimates for water and major civil infrastructure projects (feasibility, options, pre-tender).
• Apply asset-based CBS to structure, normalise, and benchmark estimates.
• Interpret designs per CBS level for pricing.
• Carry out technical and commercial appraisal of subcontractor & supplier quotations.
• Produce analytical estimates including plant, temporary works, and delivery methodology.
• Use estimating software and Excel-based cost models for auditable estimates.
• Contribute to top-down and parametric estimating with cost intelligence data.
• Support cost risk and uncertainty analysis (contingency, optimism bias).
• Support knowledge capture and sector cost intelligence development.

Skills

Top-down estimating

Parametric estimating

Cost intelligence

Stakeholder management

Client-facing

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying

Professional accreditation (in progress)

Tools

Excel

Costing software

CBS structures

Job description

Cumming Group is seeking an Estimator to join its Cost Intelligence team, focusing on water-sector and major infrastructure projects. The role supports early-stage cost estimates on complex, regulated programmes.

The role requires experience with top-down and parametric estimating, asset-based CBS structures, and cost intelligence methodologies, in a client-facing environment with opportunities for professional development.