Estimator

Maxim Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Manchester is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare and validate project estimates ranging from Class 5 to Class 1. This role involves deep collaboration across transport and energy projects, with opportunities for professional growth and flexible working conditions. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in infrastructure estimation and will enjoy a diverse project portfolio. Furthermore, candidates should be working towards chartership in Quantity Surveying or a related field.

Benefits

Professional development and chartership support

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator within infrastructure (e.g., rail, highways, energy, water).
• Strong grasp of measurement, take-off, and first-principles build-ups.
• Understanding of risk, uncertainty, and contingency within budgets and cost forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare estimates from early feasibility through detailed design.
• Complete independent quantity take-offs using recognised methods of measurement.
• Support risk/contingency development with project controls and QS teams.

Skills

Stakeholder management skills

Confidence in stakeholder engagement

Data-driven mindset

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction, or similar

Working towards/holding chartership (RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE)

Job description

An Estimator role within a respected construction consultancy’s Complex Infrastructure team in Manchester.

You’ll develop Class 5 to Class 1 estimates, support bids and proposals, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across transport, energy, and wider infrastructure.

Flexible working, professional development, and varied project exposure are offered. Willingness to travel 2-3 working days per week/fortnight required. Salary up to £60k+.

Projects for this Manchester estimating job include transport, rail, highways, local authority schemes, energy, nuclear, renewables, power, water, defence, aviation, and broader infrastructure.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare estimates from early feasibility through detailed design, including first-principles build-ups
• Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates with clear basis-of-estimate narratives
• Complete independent quantity take-offs using recognised methods of measurement
• Use client benchmarks, in-house and market data to form and validate estimates
• Assess indirects, preliminaries and overheads; structure estimates to agreed CBS/WBS formats
• Contribute to bids, proposals, and work-winning activity as needed
• Participate in peer reviews and quality assurance prior to submission
• Present outputs clearly to internal stakeholders and clients; address queries and clarifications
• Support risk/contingency development with project controls and QS teams
• Maintain estimating data, norms, and lessons learned for continuous improvement
• Use industry estimating software and standard office applications competently

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
• Understanding of risk, uncertainty, and contingency within budgets and cost forecasts
• Ability to structure cost breakdowns and manage indirect costs
• Stakeholder management skills; comfortable engaging designers, engineers, and project managers
• Familiarity with estimating tools and benchmarking approaches; data-driven mindset

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

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

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is seeking an Estimator for a highly regarded construction consultancy delivering estimating and cost advisory services across flagship UK infrastructure programmes.

The business promotes a collaborative culture, structured professional development, and a diverse project portfolio spanning transport, energy, and complex infrastructure.

A full client overview will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Professional development and chartership support

Hugh Duffield is our specialist consultant managing this position

0116 473 5358
(Office hours 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday)

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