Lead Estimator

First Technical Recruitment; Orsett; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

First Recruitment Group is seeking a Lead Estimator to shape cost certainty for a nationally significant infrastructure programme in London on a contract basis. You will lead the estimating function, develop and govern programme estimates, and provide robust supporting analysis to senior stakeholders.

You will integrate input from delivery partners, manage baselines and change control, and drive continuous improvement across estimation systems and reporting frameworks.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading estimating on large infrastructure programmes.
• Strong cost planning and programme controls knowledge.
• Ability to integrate inputs from multiple delivery partners.
• Experience with baseline development and change control.
• Excellent stakeholder communication to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating function and set priorities for outputs.
• Own development and maintenance of programme estimates with evidence.
• Act as primary interface with delivery partners on submissions.
• Align estimates with scope, schedule, risk and commercial info.
• Lead baseline development and re-baselining processes.
• Manage inputs into change control and ensure traceability.
• Direct quantitative uncertainty analysis and scenario modelling.
• Apply benchmarking and market intelligence to improve quality.
• Lead estimate assurance and governance reviews with audit trail.
• Present estimate positions, risks, and affordability to senior stakeholders.
• Manage team workload and performance for timely delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating processes.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Infrastructure cost control

Stakeholder management

Risk analysis

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related

Tools

Cost modelling tools

Benchmarking data

Job description

Shape the cost certainty of a nationally significant infrastructure programme by leading robust, transparent and auditable estimating from concept through delivery. Our Client has a requirement for a Lead Estimator who will be required to work on a contract basis in London.

Role Purpose

Lead the estimating function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, transparent and auditable programme estimates. Develop, maintain and govern programme estimates, ensuring consistency, traceability and alignment with programme objectives. Provide accurate cost forecasting and decision support to senior stakeholders through robust estimating methodologies and analysis. Integrate and challenge input from delivery partners to establish a single, coherent programme estimate. Support baseline development, change control and assurance activities across a major infrastructure programme.

Job Role Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function, setting priorities, standards and accountability for all estimating outputs.
• Own the development, consolidation and maintenance of programme estimates, methodologies, assumptions, exclusions and supporting evidence.
• Act as the primary estimating interface with delivery partners, reviewing and challenging submissions to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Align estimates with scope, schedule, risk, commercial arrangements and delivery assumptions.
• Lead estimating activities associated with baseline development and re-baselining processes.
• Manage estimating inputs into change control processes, ensuring all changes are fully assessed, justified and traceable.
• Direct quantitative uncertainty analysis, including scenario modelling, sensitivity analysis and confidence assessments.
• Apply benchmarking, productivity data, market intelligence and historical cost information to strengthen estimate quality.
• Lead estimate assurance, validation and governance reviews, resolving findings and maintaining a robust audit trail.
• Present estimate positions, risks, opportunities and affordability assessments to senior stakeholders.
• Manage team workload, capability development and performance to ensure timely delivery of quality outputs.
• Drive continuous improvement across estimating processes, systems, tools and reporting frameworks.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications

• Significant experience leading estimating activities within large-scale infrastructure, engineering or construction programmes.
• Strong knowledge of estimating methodologies, cost planning techniques and programme controls.
• Experience integrating estimates with scope, schedule, risk and commercial information.
• Proven ability to challenge and manage inputs from multiple delivery partners and stakeholders.
• Experience developing and maintaining programme baselines and supporting change control processes.
• Strong understanding of quantitative risk and uncertainty analysis, including P50 and P80 assessments.
• Knowledge of benchmarking, productivity analysis, market intelligence and cost modelling techniques.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to senior leaders.
• Experience leading, developing and mentoring estimating teams.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Controls or a related discipline is desirable.
• Professional membership with a relevant institution would be advantageous.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Lead Estimator looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.