Estimator

VCG Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contractor in the UK is seeking an Estimator to prepare detailed cost estimates for major infrastructure projects. This role involves working with technical teams to ensure accurate cost planning and monitoring budgets as designs evolve. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record on large-scale projects and expertise in CCS software.

Qualifications

• Proven ability with estimating techniques in a contractor environment.
• Experience on large-scale infrastructure projects is required.
• Expertise in CCS is essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare competitive, high-quality estimates for bids.
• Work with technical teams to integrate methodologies into cost plans.
• Monitor and update budgets as designs evolve.

Skills

Estimating techniques

Construction methodology

First-principles estimating

CCS (Candy Construction Software)

BIM-based cost models

Advanced Excel skills

Numerical analysis

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Tools

CCS (Candy Construction Software)

Job description

Overview

Our client is a Tier 1 contractor seeking an Estimator to prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates for direct work packages and preliminaries on major infrastructure projects. You will play a key role in the commercial bid process by building pricing models, coordinating with technical teams, and ensuring construction methodology, programme constraints and risk are reflected in the estimate.

Responsibilities

• supporting business development and bid submissions by preparing competitive, high-quality estimates.
• Produce first-principles and unit-rate costings for work packages and associated preliminaries.
• Work closely with technical, planning and construction teams to integrate construction methodology, temporary works and logistics into cost plans.
• Obtain, validate and negotiate quotes and rates from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Coordinate estimations with colleagues across the estimating team to ensure consistency and alignment.
• Assess cost implications of identified project risks and contribute to risk registers and QRA inputs.
• Monitor and update budgets as designs evolve to maintain cost control and value.
• Cost and evaluate design changes during the tender stage.
• Maintain and enhance internal cost databases, market intelligence and performance benchmarks between tender cycles.

Estimator Technical skills & competencies

• Strong practical knowledge of estimating techniques and construction methodology.
• Proven ability with first-principles estimating and both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
• Proficiency in CCS (Candy Construction Software).
• Experience of BIM-based cost models and familiarity with risk tools such as QRA.
• Advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis).
• Accurate take-off and measurement skills.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and data interpretation ability.
• High attention to detail and ability to deliver under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Strong communicator with presentation skills able to explain complex information simply.
• Collaborative team player who can also work independently and take initiative.
• Resilient, solution-focused and adaptable.

Key Qualifications & experience

• Relevant estimating experience within a main contractor or Tier 2 contractor environment.
• Proven track record on large-scale infrastructure projects (values from £50m to multi-hundreds of millions / billions).
• Expertise in CCS (Candy Construction Software) is essential.
• Sector experience in one or more of the following is desirable: Rail, Ports, Marine, Smart Buildings, Heavy Civils, Tunnelling or Airports.