Cost Planner

Wates Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Wates Group in Birmingham is seeking a Cost Planner/Estimator to join our Construction team. You will produce cost plans and estimates, support tender submissions, and collaborate with design and delivery teams to shape proposals from concept through to tender submission.

You will analyse drawings and specifications, engage with supply chains, and contribute to value engineering and benchmarking data to support a competitive regional pipeline across the Midlands.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Cost Planning or Estimating role within construction (contractor or consultancy).
• Understanding of construction methodologies, procurement routes and market conditions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical information.
• Commercially aware, detail-focused and able to manage multiple inputs.
• A collaborative approach, with experience working within pre-construction teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost plans, budgets and detailed estimates across a range of construction projects.
• Support the development of tender submissions and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with design, commercial and delivery teams to ensure robust and deliverable proposals.
• Analyse project information, drawings and specifications to identify risks, opportunities and cost drivers.
• Engage with supply chain partners to obtain competitive quotations.
• Contribute to value engineering and buildability discussions.
• Maintain accurate benchmarking data and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Cost planning

Estimating

Construction knowledge

Analytical skills

Pre-construction collaboration

Job description

Cost Planner / Estimator – Construction West

Location: Birmingham

We are looking for a talented Cost Planner / Estimator to join our Construction business in the Midlands, supporting the development of high-quality, competitive bids and contributing to a strong regional pipeline.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a collaborative pre-construction environment, working across a diverse range of projects and sectors.

About The Role

You’ll play a key role in the early stages of project development, producing accurate cost plans and estimates that support work-winning activity. Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Design and Operational teams, you’ll help shape projects from concept through to tender submission.

• Prepare cost plans, budgets and detailed estimates across a range of construction projects
• Support the development of tender submissions and pricing strategies
• Collaborate with design, commercial and delivery teams to ensure robust and deliverable proposals
• Analyse project information, drawings and specifications to identify risks, opportunities and cost drivers
• Engage with supply chain partners to obtain competitive quotations
• Contribute to value engineering and buildability discussions
• Maintain accurate benchmarking data and support continuous improvement

About You

• Experience in a Cost Planning or Estimating role within construction (contractor or consultancy)
• Understanding of construction methodologies, procurement routes and market conditions
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical information
• Commercially aware, detail-focused and able to manage multiple inputs
• A collaborative approach, with experience working within pre-construction teams

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on a diverse and high-profile pipeline across the North West
• A supportive, collaborative pre-construction team environment
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits package

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking construction business with a strong regional presence and ambitious growth plans—where your contribution will directly influence the projects we secure and deliver.