Lead Cost Estimator

Nexos Group; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexos is seeking an experienced Lead Cost Estimator to own the estimating function across energy, oil & gas, chemicals and infrastructure projects in the Aberdeen area. You will develop robust estimates, lead BoE and WBS creation, and guide a team of estimators while supporting tender submissions.

Collaborating with engineering, project controls, procurement and delivery teams, you will drive cost intelligence, risk-adjusted estimates and margin forecasts to enable winning bids and commercial

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or Cost Engineering.
• Significant experience in a senior estimating role within engineering, construction, energy or industrial sectors.
• Proven track record of leading estimates for large and complex projects.
• Experience managing, mentoring and developing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with influence on key decisions.
• Professional membership or accreditation (RICS, AACE, CCP).

Responsibilities

• Lead development of accurate and competitive cost estimates from concept to detailed design and execution.
• Prepare and review estimates for engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and project management.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to gather estimating inputs.
• Review supplier and subcontractor quotations for market competitiveness and accuracy.
• Produce client-facing cost presentations, estimate reports and supporting docs.
• Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Basis of Estimate documents.
• Identify risks and opportunities, develop contingencies and deliver risk-adjusted estimates.
• Support tender submissions with commercial insight and cost intelligence.
• Develop margin forecasts and bid strategies with commercial teams.
• Maintain estimating databases, benchmarking tools, and historical cost records.
• Monitor market trends in labour, materials and equipment costs.
• Lead estimate reviews and mentor estimators for continuous improvement.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Cost modelling

Risk assessment

Bid/tender support

Cost forecasting

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering/Quantity Surveying degree

Job description

Shape the success of major engineering and energy projects from concept to completion.

At Nexos, we're looking for an experienced Lead Cost Estimator to take ownership of our estimating function and play a pivotal role in delivering winning bids and commercially successful projects. This is an opportunity to influence high-value projects across the energy, oil & gas, chemicals and infrastructure sectors while leading the development of best-in‑class estimating processes, tools and teams.

As a trusted expert, you'll provide strategic cost advice, develop robust estimates across the full project lifecycle, and ensure consistency and excellence in estimating practices throughout the business. Working closely with engineering, project controls, procurement, commercial and delivery teams, you'll help drive informed decision‑making and sustainable business growth.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the development of accurate and competitive cost estimates from early concept studies through to detailed design and project execution.
• Preparing and reviewing estimates covering engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and project management activities.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to gather and validate estimating inputs.
• Reviewing supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure market competitiveness and accuracy.
• Producing client-facing cost presentations, estimate reports and supporting documentation.
• Developing Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and comprehensive Basis of Estimate (BoE) documents.
• Identifying project risks and opportunities, developing contingency strategies and delivering risk‑adjusted estimates.
• Supporting tender submissions by providing commercial insight and robust cost intelligence.
• Working closely with commercial teams to develop margin forecasts, EBITDA projections and bid strategies.
• Maintaining and enhancing estimating databases, benchmarking tools, productivity norms and historical cost records.
• Monitoring market trends and analysing labour, material and equipment cost movements.
• Leading estimate reviews, challenge sessions and peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency.
• Mentoring and developing estimators while driving continuous improvement across the estimating function.
• Supporting project delivery teams with change management, variations, claims and cost forecasting activities.
• Acting as the custodian of company estimating standards, processes and governance.

What We're Looking For

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Cost Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in a senior estimating role within engineering, construction, energy or industrial sectors.
• Proven track record of leading estimates for large and complex projects.
• Experience managing, mentoring and developing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence key business decisions.
• Professional membership or accreditation such as RICS, AACE or Certified Cost Professional (CCP).
• Experience working within consultancy, EPC, energy, oil & gas, chemicals or industrial environments.

Key Skills & Experience

• Advanced estimating methodologies and cost modelling techniques.
• Benchmarking, quantity take-offs and productivity analysis.
• Risk assessment and contingency development.
• Tendering, bid support and commercial strategy.
• Strong understanding of project controls and cost forecasting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to challenge constructively and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong attention to detail, organisation and analytical capability.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Why Join Nexos?

This is an opportunity to take a leadership role within a growing organisation where your expertise will directly influence project success, business performance and future growth. You'll work alongside industry specialists on challenging and rewarding projects while helping to shape the future of our estimating capability.

If you're an experienced estimator looking to make a strategic impact and lead from the front, we'd love to hear from you.