Lead Estimator

Laing O'Rourke; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and construction firm is seeking a Lead Estimator for the Sizewell C Project in London. This role involves managing a team, developing costing for civil works, and ensuring accurate estimates aligned with project policies. Candidates should have experience in civil engineering and strong analytical skills. Join a dynamic team contributing to a significant infrastructure project focused on innovation and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience in civil engineering as an infrastructure main contractor is desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills are needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage a multi-skill level team for the SZC Project.
• Develop cost planning and pricing for the Marine & Tunnels section.
• Ensure collaboration with the Head of Estimating for consistency.

Skills

Infrastructure Main Contractor experience

Commercial or operational background

Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Outstanding client-facing / communication skills

Proficiency in Excel and similar software

Job description

Lead Estimator - SZC Project (Sizewell C)

Location : London, UK

Join the exciting journey of one of the UK's largest nuclear projects at Sizewell C!

We are seeking a Lead Estimator to support the Civil Works Programme of the Sizewell C (SZC) Project.

As a Lead Estimator, you will be managing a multi skill level team to develop both cost planning and pricing for the Marine & Tunnels section of the Sizewell C (SZC) Project. Your responsibilities include ensuring consistency in the estimating approach by collaborating with the Head of Estimating, producing various estimating documentation for internal and external assurance, and managing stakeholders for effective estimate production.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake estimates in accordance with the SZC policies and procedures.
• Review SZC's drawings and specifications to prepare accurate costing sheets for materials, labour and equipment.
• Oversee and/or interrogate design options and ‘value' solutions, and if appropriate, identify the attractiveness of a project based on sound estimating principles.
• Liaise with members of the project team & supply chain to develop and understand methodologies and principles proposed.
• Oversee and supervise others and/or develop or check bills of quantities used to present alliance pricing using the Alliance's quantification Software Cost X.
• Record and track changes to the estimate/budget as the estimate inputs mature.

What skills & experience are we looking for?

• Infrastructure Main Contractor experience, ideally in the civil engineering market, would be desirable.
• Commercial or operational background.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Outstanding client-facing / communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and similar software.

Don't match all thecriteria? We are open and always happy to hear from people with transferable skill sets and a commitment to learning.

Why SZC?

This is your chance to contribute to one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure projects, shaping the future of energy while working in a supportive, dynamic environment. Be part of a team that values innovation, safety, and sustainability at every stage of the journey—from investment to construction and beyond.

About Laing O'Rourke

We are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the‑art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email