Lead Estimator

Pontoon; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 92,000; Part time

Job summary

Pontoon in the United Kingdom is seeking a Lead Estimator (Cost Intelligence & Benchmarking) to redefine its estimating capability across major programmes within the energy sector.

The role sits in a hybrid setup with the Warwick office, and you will develop cost databases, benchmarking frameworks, and data-driven estimating systems while mentoring junior estimators and engaging with project stakeholders to inform investment decisions.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in cost estimation for major infrastructure, engineering, or energy projects.
• Proven track record developing estimating systems, methodologies, or cost intelligence frameworks.
• Strong benchmarking, estimate validation and cost assurance expertise.
• Proficiency in Eclipse Estimating and advanced Excel.
• AACE CCP or CEP certification.

Responsibilities

• Enhance and standardise estimating methodologies across major programmes.
• Develop estimating systems, templates, and cost databases.
• Build benchmarks, productivity norms, and cost intelligence datasets.
• Mentor junior estimators and influence stakeholders with data-driven insights.

Skills

Cost estimation

Estimating systems

Benchmarking

Eclipse Estimating

Excel

CCP/CEP certification

Tools

Eclipse Estimating

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Lead Estimator (Cost Intelligence & Benchmarking)

Contract Type: Temporary

Daily Rate: £450 - £500 (Umbrella) Depending on experience

Contract Length: 12 months

Working Pattern: Full Time (Hybrid: Warwick office 2 days per week)

About Our Client:

Our client, a leading organisation in the energy sector, is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to redefine its estimating capability across major programmes. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned cost engineering professional to go beyond traditional estimate production and help shape the future of cost intelligence and benchmarking excellence within a significant infrastructure portfolio.

About the Role:

As part of the central estimating function, the Lead Estimator will play a pivotal role in enhancing systems, methodologies, and cost databases that underpin investment decisions and project delivery. Collaborating closely with the Estimating Manager and project stakeholders, the successful candidate will develop a more consistent, data-driven estimating capability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Estimating Capability Development:
  • Enhance and standardise estimating methodologies across major programmes.
  • Develop and improve estimating systems, tools, templates, and processes.
  • Build and maintain cost databases, resource libraries, output rates, and productivity norms.
  • Mentor junior estimators to support capability development across the team.
• Benchmarking & Cost Intelligence:
  • Design and implement a comprehensive benchmarking framework.
  • Develop benchmark rates, productivity measures, and cost intelligence datasets.
  • Analyse historical project performance and market data to identify trends.
  • Provide reliable cost intelligence and benchmarking insights for investment decisions.
• Data & Analytics:
  • Capture and analyse cost, productivity, and programme data from live and completed projects.
  • Improve the quality and accessibility of estimating data, translating complex datasets into actionable insights.
  • Develop reporting tools and dashboards to support decision-making and estimating maturity.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Build strong relationships with project management, engineering, procurement, and leadership teams.
  • Act as a subject matter expert for benchmarking, cost intelligence, and estimating best practises.
  • Influence stakeholders through data-driven recommendations and assurance activities.

About You:

The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced estimator or cost engineer, passionate about developing estimating capabilities rather than merely producing estimates. A strong understanding of benchmarking, cost intelligence, and productivity modelling is essential, along with the ability to influence stakeholders across a complex infrastructure organisation.

Essential Experience:

• Extensive experience in cost estimation within major infrastructure, engineering, or energy projects.
• Proven track record in developing estimating systems, methodologies, or cost intelligence frameworks.
• Strong expertise in benchmarking, estimate validation, and cost assurance.
• Proficiency in Eclipse Estimating and advanced Excel.
• AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) certification.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in the utilities, energy transmission, or regulated industries.
• Knowledge of NEC4 contracts and project controls.
• Familiarity with Power BI and data visualisation tools.