Head of Estimating

Lanes Group; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility solutions provider in the UK seeks a Head of Estimating to oversee a national team of estimators. This strategic role involves delivering accurate and competitive bids primarily in the Waste and Clean Water sector, alongside managing stakeholder relationships and enhancing estimating processes. Ideal candidates will have extensive estimating experience, a strong grasp of asset lifecycle management, and expertise in estimating software. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits including a company car and generous holiday entitlement.

Benefits

25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

Life assurance and death-in-service benefits

Company car

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior estimating role within Utilities or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of asset lifecycle, condition reporting, and technical surveying.
• Track record of delivering multidisciplinary infrastructure tenders from conception to completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a national estimating team fostering high performance.
• Oversee preparation, validation, and submission of accurate estimates and competitive bids.
• Work closely with procurement to secure competitive quotes and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Team leadership

Estimating software

Cost planning tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Head of Estimating

Join the Team That Keeps the Nation Flowing!

Established in 2013 Sapphire Utility Solutions has quickly become the partner of choice for many clients across the UK in our chosen markets. As a Lanes Group company we provide award winning services to the clean water wastewater gas multi utilities and the highways sector. We are passionate about working alongside our clients and partners to maintain the utility services essential to modern life throughout the UK.

As Head of Estimating you will play a strategic leadership role overseeing and developing a team of technical estimators. You will be responsible for the delivery of accurate competitive and commercially viable bids and cost plans for a wide variety of projects predominantly within the Waste and Clean Water industry delivering high value Term Service Contracts for a variety of blue‑chip clients within the Regulated Water sector.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage a national estimating team fostering high performance.
• Provide mentorship, training and performance management to drive success.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.

Estimating & Bid Management

• Oversee preparation, validation and submission of accurate estimates and competitive bids.
• Review tender documentation for completeness and risk.
• Independently verify pricing and identify improvement opportunities.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with procurement to secure competitive quotes and identify cost‑saving opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors.
• Contribute to contract negotiations and mitigate commercial risks.

Process & System Improvement

• Drive enhancements in estimating tools, templates and cost libraries.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety regulations and management systems.

Post‑Bid & Supply Chain Development

• Participate in project reviews, handovers and lessons‑learned sessions.
• Lead supplier feedback processes and strengthen supply‑chain reliability.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a senior estimating role within Utilities or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of asset lifecycle, condition reporting and technical surveying.
• Track record of delivering multidisciplinary infrastructure tenders from conception to completion.
• Proficiency in estimating software, cost planning tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working with national frameworks and large‑scale projects.

What You’ll Get in Return:

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Life assurance and death‑in‑service benefits
• Company car

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Strictly no agencies please.

Monthly Salary: 75000 - 90000