Estimator

Maxim Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Chartership support

Cash reward for successful matches

Job summary

Maxim Recruitment in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Estimator to deliver robust Class 5 to Class 1 estimates for complex infrastructure projects. You will support bids, coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams, and drive robust cost plans across transport, energy, and wider infrastructure sectors.

The role requires 5–10 years of estimating experience in infrastructure, strong measurement skills, and the ability to engage with clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction, or similar (or equivalent experience).
• Working towards or holding chartership with RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE (desirable).
• Eligibility for security clearance may be advantageous on some projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and own estimates from early feasibility through detailed design using first-principles where appropriate
• Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates and associated basis-of-estimate narratives
• Complete and review quantity take-offs using recognised methods of measurement
• Use client benchmarking, in-house, and market data to build and validate estimates
• Assess indirects, preliminaries, and overheads; structure estimates to agreed CBS/WBS formats
• Contribute to bids and proposals; support work-winning activity as needed
• Lead/participate in internal peer reviews and quality assurance checks prior to submission
• Present estimating outputs clearly to internal stakeholders and clients; manage queries and clarifications
• Support risk and contingency development in collaboration with project controls and QS teams
• Use estimating software and standard office applications to a competent level
• Maintain estimating data, norms, and lessons learned for continuous improvement

Skills

First-principles estimating

Stakeholder engagement

Client-facing

Cost planning

Bid support

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying/Engineering/Construction

Working towards chartership (RICS/ACostE/ACCE/ICE)

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

Job description

An excellent Estimator job with a leading construction consultancy, working within a Complex Infrastructure team delivering estimating and cost advisory services across transport, energy, and wider infrastructure projects.

You will prepare robust Class 5 to Class 1 estimates, support bids and proposals, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams while enjoying flexible working and great career development.

Willingness to travel 2-3 working days per week/fortnight. Salary up to £60k+.

This Birmingham estimating job offers exposure to complex UK infrastructure portfolios, including transport, rail, highways, local authority works, energy, nuclear, renewables, power, water, defence, and aviation.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare and own estimates from early feasibility through detailed design using first-principles where appropriate
• Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates and associated basis-of-estimate narratives
• Complete and review quantity take-offs using recognised methods of measurement
• Use client benchmarking, in-house, and market data to build and validate estimates
• Assess indirects, preliminaries, and overheads; structure estimates to agreed CBS/WBS formats
• Contribute to bids and proposals; support work-winning activity as needed
• Lead/participate in internal peer reviews and quality assurance checks prior to submission
• Present estimating outputs clearly to internal stakeholders and clients; manage queries and clarifications
• Support risk and contingency development in collaboration with project controls and QS teams
• Use estimating software and standard office applications to a competent level
• Maintain estimating data, norms, and lessons learned for continuous improvement

Desired Skills and Experience

• 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator within infrastructure (e.g, rail, highways, energy, water) on the consultancy or contractor side is ideal
• Strong grasp of measurement, take-off, and first-principles build-ups
• Confidence in stakeholder engagement and excellent client-facing abilities
• Competence in structuring estimates, indirects, and cost breakdown structures
• Good understanding of risk, uncertainty, contingency, and how they influence budgets
• Clear, concise communicator able to work with designers, engineers, and project managers
• Familiarity with common estimating tools/software and benchmarking approaches
• Stakeholder management skills and the ability to work across multiple live commissions

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction, or similar (or equivalent experience)
• Working towards or holding chartership with RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE (desirable)
• Eligibility for security clearance may be advantageous on some projects

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is supporting a respected construction consultancy with a strong track record delivering estimating and cost advisory services on flagship UK infrastructure programmes.

The business offers a collaborative culture, high-quality professional development, and a diverse portfolio across transport, energy, and wider complex infrastructure.

A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Professional development and chartership support

Steve Thomas is our specialist consultant managing this position

07441 343 671
(Office hours 9.30 to 5.30pm Monday to Friday)

London, Home Counties, Midlands, East Midlands & Northern UK

and get a £500-£1000 cash reward forsuccessfulmatches.