Estimator

IES Utilities; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities provider based in Manchester seeks an Estimator for Strategic Growth, Mergers, and Major Projects. This role involves leading the estimating function across significant projects, ensuring competitive and accurate estimates while supporting business development and governance. Candidates should have extensive experience in utilities and strong analytical skills, with a proven track record in high-value bids. A competitive salary package of up to £50k is offered, along with a chance to contribute to strategic growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive estimating experience within utilities or construction across multiple sectors.
• Proven track record of leading estimating functions for high-value bids.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating function for major projects and strategic growth.
• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates.
• Engage with stakeholders for assumption validation.

Skills

Estimating experience in utilities

Cost modelling

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Estimating software

Financial modelling tools

Power BI

Job description

Manchester, United Kingdom Major Projects

Reports to: Lead Commercial on Major Projects

Location: Manchester

Salary: Up to £50k, with appropriate package for role

Purpose of the Role

The Estimator for Strategic Growth, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Major Projects will be responsible for leading the estimating function across high-value, complex opportunities that are critical to the companys growth trajectory. Operating within a business with turnover up to £500m+ per annum, this role will ensure all estimates are accurate, competitive, and commercially robust, supporting the successful delivery of bids, acquisitions, and major strategic projects. The role will provide strategic input into Major Projects & opportunities across power, water, gas, renewables, and telecoms. Working closely with the Major Projects Team, the Estimator will contribute to business cases, valuations, and integration planning, ensuring financial and operational feasibility is fully understood.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the estimating function for all major projects, acquisitions, and strategic growth opportunities through bid into execution.
• Develop estimating strategies that align with the companys growth ambitions up to £500m+ turnover.
• Prepare detailed, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for major projects across all utility sectors.
• Develop financial models and cost breakdowns to support business cases.
• Identify cost risks, opportunities, and synergies in potential projects.

Bid & Project Support

• Work with commercial and operational teams to ensure estimates support high-quality bid submissions.
• Contribute to pricing strategies for complex frameworks, joint ventures, and strategic projects.
• Provide estimating input during negotiations with clients, partners, and investors.

Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure all estimates are compliant with company standards, client requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain governance, audit trails, and benchmarking information to validate estimating accuracy.
• Provide regular reporting on estimating performance, risks, and pipeline opportunities.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with divisional leaders, commercial teams, and technical experts to validate assumptions and ensure deliverability.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and partners to secure accurate pricing and market intelligence.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Director of Mergers & Acquisitions and the Executive Team.

Key Skills & Experience

• Extensive estimating experience within utilities, infrastructure, or construction, ideally across multiple sectors (power, water, gas, renewables, telecoms).
• Proven track record of leading estimating functions for high-value bids, acquisitions, or strategic projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in cost modelling, valuations, and financial analysis.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in estimating software, financial modelling tools, and Microsoft Excel/Power BI.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging at Executive and Board levels.

Key Measures of Success

• Delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially robust estimates for major projects.
• Positive feedback from the Group Commercial Director, Group Business Development Director and the rest of the Executive Team on the quality and accuracy of estimates and business cases.
• Improved estimating processes, governance, and benchmarking to support scaling of the business to £500m+ turnover.
• Successful integration of estimating insights into major project strategies.
• Contribution to the companys reputation as a leading, commercially astute player across the utility sectors.