Estimator

Soben; Slough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Soben in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Estimator to drive cost estimation for large Data Centre projects. You will prepare detailed estimates, review drawings, and coordinate with engineers and management to keep projects within budget.

You will lead multidisciplinary estimating teams, mentor juniors, and use CostX, Candy, Causeway, and BIM data to deliver accurate, data-driven cost data and transparent reporting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or related.
• Professional accreditation (MRICS, AACE, ACostE, or equivalent) preferred.
• 8–10 years of estimating experience, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong background in pre-contract and estimating for large Data Centre projects.
• Excellent knowledge of estimating software and cost databases (CostX, Candy, Causeway).
• Ability to interpret complex technical documentation and translate to cost data.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience in client-facing roles and influencing stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates to an appropriate level of detail using available design information.
• Analyse documents, drawings, and project plans to identify cost drivers.
• Evaluate estimates for risks and opportunities to keep projects within budget.
• Communicate deliverables and findings to senior management, contractors, and vendors.
• Obtain accurate pricing from databases, contractors, and suppliers.
• Review and finalize estimates to reflect current market conditions.
• Collaborate with clients to understand project scope and align estimates.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior estimators.
• Support reporting cycles and document estimate changes and rationale.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Client-facing

BIM integration

Data-driven estimation

Education

Quantity Surveying/Engineering/Construction Management degree

MRICS / AACE / ACostE accreditation preferred

Tools

CostX

Candy

Causeway

Job description

Grow Your Career with Us

At Soben, we believe our greatest strength is our people. Your growth is central to our success, and we’re committed to helping you build a career you’re proud of. Whether it’s through training, mentoring, or taking on new challenges, every step you take is an opportunity to develop your skills, broaden your experience, and shape your future.

We encourage you to be curious, take ownership of your development, and explore the many opportunities available within our business. Speak with your manager about your goals, seek out projects that excite you, and don’t be afraid to stretch beyond your comfort zone — that’s where real growth happens.

Your career journey is unique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s keep learning, keep improving, and keep building something exceptional together.

Job Description

Our Estimator acts as a key figure in preparing detailed cost estimates, analysing project documents, and evaluating risks and opportunities. The role holder is responsible for communicating findings and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely project cost management. The Estimator is responsible for the review of estimate data and finalising unit cost pricing. The role holder will collaborate with engineers, support cost estimates and support the reporting cycle for estimate changes. The role holder will coordinate with the project management and engineering functions throughout the estimate development process.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates to an appropriate level of detail consistent with the design information available.
• Analyse documents, drawings, and project plans to identify factors that may influence project cost.
• Provide continuous evaluation of estimates to determine the potential risks or opportunities that may influence the completion of the project to ensure it remains within budget.
• Communicate cost estimating deliverables and findings to senior management, contractors, and vendors through presentations and reports.
• Obtain accurate and up-to-date pricing information from databases, contractors, and suppliers to support estimate preparation, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
• Review and finalise estimates to reflect current market conditions and specific project conditions.
• Review historical benchmark cost information and identify any significant variances.
• Collaborate proactively with Clients to gain a clear understanding of the project scope to support estimate preparation and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Provide continuous training and mentorship to junior and intermediate level estimators.
• Proactively support the reporting cycle that clearly communicates estimate changes and the rationale behind them, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness in routine reporting.
• Prepare and review material take offs from documents and drawings.
• Review contract documents to understand scope of work and cost allowances for scope changes.
• Perform additional tasks, activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as part of the role.

About you

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., MRICS, AACE, ACostE, or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in estimating roles, including leadership of multidisciplinary estimating teams.
• Strong background in pre-contract and estimating for large Data Centre projects.
• Excellent working knowledge of estimating software and cost databases (e.g., CostX, Candy, Causeway, or similar).
• Proven ability to interpret complex technical documentation and translate into accurate cost data.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience in client-facing roles with the ability to influence and build trust.
• Familiarity with digital estimating tools, BIM integration, and data-driven estimation approaches is advantageous.