Lead Estimator

Carmichael UK; City Of London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CarmichaelUK is seeking a Lead Civils Estimator to head a multi-level estimating team and develop robust cost plans for major civil works. You will produce first principles estimates covering labour, plant and materials, and liaise with planning, procurement and engineering to ensure pricing accuracy.

The role requires strong Excel and analytical skills, plus experience mentoring junior staff and presenting to senior stakeholders. A Tier 1 civil engineering environment is preferred.

Qualifications

• Significant estimating experience in Tier 1 civil engineering or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of first principles estimating across labour, plant, materials and subcontracts.
• Experience leading or mentoring an estimating team.
• Excellent Excel skills and numerical/analytical ability.
• Confident client-facing communication and presentation skills.
• Candy Estimating Software experience is advantageous.
• RIB CostX experience for estimating/TA is advantageous.
• Knowledge of AACE Estimate Classification principles is advantageous.
• Professional chartership such as ICE, CIOB, RICS or CICES would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Senior Estimators, Estimators and Assistant Estimators.
• Develop detailed cost plans, budgets and estimates for major civil engineering works.
• Work with Head of Estimating to maintain a consistent estimating approach across the project.
• Prepare accurate estimates from drawings, specifications and other project information.
• Mentor and support junior members of the estimating team.
• Review Bills of Quantities and other pricing information.
• Present, explain and negotiate estimates with senior stakeholders and clients.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

First principles estimating

Excel proficiency

Client-facing communication

Numerical/analytical skills

Education

Chartered professional (ICE/CIOB/RICS/CICES)

Tools

Candy Estimating

RIB CostX

Job description

A Tier 1 principal contractor delivering a major infrastructure programme is looking to engage with an experienced Lead Civils Estimator, who can be responsible for leading a multi-level estimating team and overseeing the development of robust cost plans and estimates across civil engineering, alliance services, plant and logistics packages.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Senior Estimators, Estimators and Assistant Estimators.
• Develop detailed cost plans, budgets and estimates for major civil engineering works.
• Work closely with the Head of Estimating to maintain a consistent estimating approach across the project.
• Prepare accurate estimates from drawings, specifications and other project information.
• Build first principles estimates covering labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages.
• Review design solutions, construction methodologies and value engineering opportunities.
• Liaise with planning, procurement, commercial, engineering and supply-chain teams to develop accurate pricing.
• Identify and record estimating assumptions, risks and opportunities.
• Support the commercial evaluation of project and programme risk.
• Produce auditable estimating documentation suitable for both internal and external assurance.
• Review Bills of Quantities and other pricing information.
• Monitor and record changes to estimates and budgets as designs and project information develop.
• Present, explain and negotiate estimates with senior internal stakeholders, clients and delivery partners.
• Mentor and support junior members of the estimating team.

The requirements for this opportunity include –

• Significant estimating experience gained within a Tier 1/main contractor civil engineering or infrastructure environment.
• Strong knowledge of first principles estimating across labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring an estimating team.
• Strong Excel capability and excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Confident client‑facing communication and presentation skills.
• Experience of Candy Estimating Software would be advantageous.
• Experience using RIB CostX for estimating and quantity take‑offs would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of AACE Estimate Classification principles would be advantageous.
• Previous commercial or operational experience within civil engineering may also be considered.
• Relevant professional chartership such as ICE, CICES, RICS or CIOB would be beneficial.
• Flexible and able to work collaboratively across a major multidisciplinary infrastructure programme.