Lead Estimator

Pontoon Solutions; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

Pontoon Solutions in the United Kingdom is seeking a Lead Estimator (Cost Intelligence & Benchmarking) to redefine its estimating capability across major infrastructure programmes. The role combines technical cost engineering with data-driven decision support and a focus on benchmarking and cost intelligence.

Based in Warwick with hybrid work (office 2 days per week), you will develop estimating systems, maintain cost databases, mentor junior staff, and deliver actionable insights through

Qualifications

• 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.
• Familiarity with NEC4 contracts and project controls.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Eclipse Estimating

Advanced Excel

Benchmarking

Cost estimation

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

NEC4 contracts knowledge

Power BI

Education

AACE CCP or CEP certification

Tools

Eclipse Estimating

Excel (Advanced)

Power BI

Job description

Job Title: Lead Estimator (Cost Intelligence & Benchmarking)

Contract Type: Temporary

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.
• 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:

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

We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.