Estimator - Multi-utility/ Civils

IES Utilities Group LTD; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK utility provider in Manchester is seeking an Estimator for Multi-utility/Civils. The role involves supporting complex estimating functions for high-value projects, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness in bid submissions. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in utilities or construction. The position offers hybrid working and an attractive salary package.

Qualifications

• Extensive estimating experience in utilities, infrastructure, or construction.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support estimating for high-value, complex opportunities.
• Ensure estimates are accurate and competitive.
• Validate estimating accuracy with governance and audit trails.

Skills

Interpret project documents

Produce estimate from first principles

Cost modelling and cash flow forecasts

Work alone to tight deadlines

Production of fully priced risk registers

Good commercial knowledge

Interpret contract documents

Develop financial models

Presentation skills

Job description

Job Title: Estimator Multi-utility / Civils

Location: Manchester with Hybrid working option

Business Area: Multi-utility

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

About IES Utilities Group Ltd:

IES Utilities Group Ltd is a leading UK utility Provider delivering end-to-end utility solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, where we provide survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide.

With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future‑ready infrastructure networks across the UK. Headquartered in Manchester, IES continues to grow as a trusted partner in the utilities sector.

Our vision is to be the leading utility and infrastructure services provider, Known for innovative and sustainable solutions to current and future challenges, and our mission: To enable essential utility networks and infrastructure to achieve exceptional levels of resilience and long‑term value.

Purpose of the Role:

The successful Estimator will be responsible for supporting 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.

Key Skills:

• Interpret the requirements of clients by undertaking detailed assessment of all project documents
• Produce estimate from first principles to include all labour, materials, sub‑contractors and prelim items
• Cost modelling and cash flow forecasts
• Ability to work alone to tight deadlines as required
• Production of fully priced risk registers
• Good commercial knowledge and ability to interpret contract risks
• Interpretation of contract documents and identification of commercial risks
• Develop financial models and cost breakdowns to support business cases
• Presentation of estimate proposals to Senior Management and Directors in accordance with internal governance procedures
• Issue enquiries and benchmark prices taking consideration of stated exclusions

Bid & Project Support

• Work with commercial and planning teams to ensure estimates support high‑quality bid submissions
• Liaise with Operations to ensure estimates reflect all delivery requirements and capture all of the costs required to deliver the works
• 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.
• 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.

Experience

• Extensive estimating experience within utilities, infrastructure, or construction, ideally across multiple sectors (power, water, gas, renewables, telecoms).
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging at Executive and Board levels.

Key Measures of Success

• Timely delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially robust estimates
• Positive feedback from all Managers, Department Heads of Business and Directors.