Lead Estimator

Advance Training and Recruitment Services; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advance TRS is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to lead a multi-skilled estimating team across major marine, tunnelling and civil projects in Ipswich, UK. You will develop cost plans, tender submissions and robust estimating processes in collaboration with project, commercial, planning and procurement teams.

The role requires strong leadership, commercial acumen and proficiency in Excel, with experience in Candy Estimating and CostX preferred.

Qualifications

• Estimating experience within a Tier 1 main contractor or major civil engineering environment.
• Experience leading or managing an estimating team.
• Strong understanding of construction costs and methodologies.
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multi-skilled estimating team.
• Develop and oversee accurate project estimates, cost plans and tender submissions.
• Review drawings, specifications and construction methodologies to establish costs.
• Manage labour, plant, materials and subcontractor pricing.
• Identify commercial risks and value engineering opportunities.
• Prepare and review Bills of Quantities (BoQs).
• Collaborate with clients, project teams and supply chain partners.
• Present estimates to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Mentor junior estimators and monitor estimate changes.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Cost estimation

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Stakeholder management

Education

Chartered status (ICE/CICES/RICS/CIOB)

Tools

Candy Estimating Software

RIB CostX

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to manage and develop a multi-skilled estimating team across major marine, tunnelling and civil engineering projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing accurate cost plans and tender submissions, ensuring robust estimating processes and working closely with project, commercial, planning and procurement teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Senior Estimators, Estimators and Assistant Estimators.
• Develop and oversee accurate project estimates, cost plans and tender submissions.
• Review drawings, specifications and construction methodologies to establish project costs.
• Manage labour, plant, materials and subcontractor pricing.
• Identify commercial risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions.
• Prepare and review Bills of Quantities (BoQs).
• Work closely with clients, project teams and supply chain partners.
• Present and justify estimates to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior estimating team members.
• Monitor changes to estimates and budgets throughout project development.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Estimating experience within a Tier 1 main contractor or major civil engineering environment.
• Experience managing or leading an estimating team.
• Strong understanding of construction costs and methodologies.
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Desirable:

• Experience in marine, tunnelling or major infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of Candy Estimating Software and RIB CostX.
• Understanding of AACE estimating classifications.
• Relevant professional qualification or chartership (ICE, CICES, RICS or CIOB).

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Collaborative approach with excellent communication.
• Commercially focused with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and make informed decisions.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.