Cost Planner / Estimator

Lendlease; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Estimator / Cost Planner to lead cost planning activities across various project stages. The role involves preparing and presenting robust cost plans, developing bid strategies, and coordinating with internal teams. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in cost planning and a strong understanding of construction methodologies. The role offers flexible working options and several employee benefits, including a car allowance and private medical health benefit.

Benefits

Car allowance

Flexible and hybrid work options

Up to 10% employer pension contribution

Private medical health benefit

Life assurance

25 days annual leave with options

3 days wellbeing leave

Health and wellbeing support

Confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym membership

Industry leading parental leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience in cost planning and estimating across multiple RIBA stages.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and commercial principles.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost planning activities across RIBA stages.
• Prepare and present documentation for internal and external reviews.
• Mentor junior cost planners and promote a collaborative team culture.

Skills

Cost planning

Communication skills

Analytical mindset

Understanding of construction methodologies

Data analysis tools

Education

Experience in cost planning and estimating

Tools

Cost planning software

Job description

Bovis builds enduring partnerships, bringing together the right expertise, the right capabilities and the right resources to deliver the most complex projects.

We know from decades of experience that successful delivery of multi-year complex projects requires close working relationships and collaboration through the supply chain. That’s why we share risk and invest in people and relationships at every level.

We make things happen, anticipating challenges before they arise. Drawing on our highly experienced, multi-disciplinary teams, we bring a fresh perspective, tailoring our approach to the specific demands of the project, helping to simplify complexity and minimise risk.

What we are recruiting for :

As an Estimator / Cost Planner within the Bovis Cost Planning team, you will be responsible for leading and delivering all aspects of cost planning and estimating from project inception through to contract award. Working closely with senior colleagues, project teams, and external stakeholders, you will prepare robust cost plans, develop bid strategies, and ensure financial inputs align with project objectives and governance requirements. This role demands a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can challenge design efficiency, drive value, and support the development of best practice across the business.

Roles & responsibilities :

• Lead cost planning activities across RIBA stages, including preparation of cost plans, commentary, fees, prelims, and value engineering.
• Coordinate bid components and ensure compliance with internal governance processes (e.g., Commitment Review, Mid Bid).
• Interface with internal disciplines (Design, Commercial, Procurement, Planning, Legal) and external consultants (PQS, EQ BoQ).
• Analyse trade packages, secure market pricing, and manage consultant engagement and deliverables.
• Support change control and design optimisation during conversion and delivery stages.
• Prepare and present documentation for internal and external reviews, including SLT / ELT and client presentations.
• Maintain benchmarking databases and contribute to the development of cost planning standards and sector insights.
• Mentor junior cost planners and promote a collaborative, high-performance team culture.
• Apply inflation forecasts, risk assessments, and contingency allowances based on market intelligence.
• Ensure scope, assumptions, and pricing are clearly documented throughout the cost planning lifecycle.

Experience & background :

• Proven experience in cost planning and estimating across multiple RIBA stages, ideally within Tier 1 contracting or consultancy environments.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, design metrics, and commercial principles.
• Proficient in cost planning software and data analysis tools; ability to price from first principles desirable.
• Skilled in interpreting design briefs, feasibility studies, and technical documentation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage confidently across all levels—internal teams, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to challenge design teams constructively and drive value engineering outcomes.
• Experience in preparing governance documentation and presenting to senior leadership.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to derive insights from benchmarking and cost data.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Awareness of market trends, inflation indices, and commercial risk factors affecting project viability.

We will provide :

• Car allowance
• Flexible and hybrid work options
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution
• Private medical health benefit
• Life assurance
• 25 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell additional days
• 3 days wellbeing leave in addition to annual leave
• Health and wellbeing support and initiatives
• 24 / 7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme including direct access to Talking Therapies and Coaching services
• Discounted gym membership to over 2,500 gym’s nation wide
• Industry leading parental leave

Belong at Bovis

We offer workplaces that unite diverse minds; where respect, equal treatment and equal opportunity are just the norm. We are a disability inclusive employer. If you need any adjustment or changes to the process, email us to let us know if you have a preferred communication method.

We build careers, develop skills, and invest in people. Imagine what more you can do here.

Bovis is committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer of choice by engaging, enabling and empowering our people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Inclusion sets us all up for success and we particularly encourage applications from currently under-represented groups in our industry including those who self-identify as women, black, Asian, minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and / or disabled.