Lead Estimator

The Adecco Group; West of England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight

Job summary

The Adecco Group is seeking an experienced Estimating Lead to head the estimating function for major nuclear infrastructure projects at Hinkley Point C. You will provide strategic leadership, commercial oversight, and technical expertise to deliver accurate, competitive tender submissions, reporting to Senior Management.

Based in the UK, you will work with Operations, Commercial, Procurement, clients and suppliers to improve estimating standards, governance and value engineering across complex

Qualifications

• Senior estimating / pre-construction leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of Mechanical, Electrical and Building Services (MEP).
• Experience leading estimating teams and managing multiple tenders.
• Commercial awareness and tendering process knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the estimating team.
• Oversee preparation and submission of M, E and MEP tenders.
• Review estimates for accuracy, competitiveness and compliance.
• Identify and manage commercial and technical risks.
• Lead tender review meetings and approvals.
• Ensure submissions align with client requirements and programme constraints.
• Support bid/no-bid decisions and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating leadership

MCA estimating systems

Tendering processes

Stakeholder management

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Education

Degree / HNC/HND in Engineering or Building Services

Professional membership (CIBSE, IMechE, IET, RICS, CIOB) desirable

Tools

MCA estimating systems

Estimating software

MS Excel

Job description

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Estimating Lead to join a leading organisation within the nuclear engineering sector, supporting major Mechanical, Electrical and MEP Building Services projects at Hinkley Point C.

This is an exciting permanent opportunity for an accomplished estimating professional to take ownership of the estimating function, providing strategic leadership, commercial oversight and technical expertise to ensure the delivery of accurate, competitive and compliant tender submissions.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting business growth, strengthening bidding capability and ensuring opportunities are effectively assessed, priced and resourced.

Working closely with Operations, Commercial, Procurement, clients, suppliers and project stakeholders, you will drive consistency, quality and continuous improvement across the estimating function.

Offering a competitive salary and a 9-day fortnight working pattern, this role presents an excellent opportunity to influence commercial strategy, lead a high-performing team and contribute to the delivery of complex engineering projects within one of the UK's most significant nuclear infrastructure programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor and develop the estimating team.
• Manage workload allocation and resource planning.
• Establish estimating standards, processes and governance.
• Support recruitment, succession planning and team development.
• Promote a culture of safety, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of Mechanical, Electrical and MEP tenders.
• Review estimates to ensure accuracy, competitiveness and compliance.
• Identify and manage commercial and technical risks.
• Lead tender review meetings and approval processes.
• Ensure submissions align with client requirements, specifications and programme constraints.

Commercial & Strategic Support

• Support bidding strategies and bid/no-bid decisions.
• Assess project risks, opportunities and profitability.
• Contribute to forecasting, business planning and pipeline management.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost improvements.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the key estimating contact for clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
• Attend client meetings, tender interviews and project reviews.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Support tender clarifications and negotiations.

Supply Chain & Technical Oversight

• Develop relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and specialist partners.
• Review supplier quotations and market pricing.
• Provide technical guidance on Mechanical, Electrical and Building Services solutions.
• Promote innovative, sustainable and cost-effective engineering solutions.

Senior Management Responsibilities

• Contribute to business growth and strategic planning.
• Collaborate with Operations, Commercial, Procurement and Project Delivery teams.
• Report on estimating performance, opportunities and market trends.
• Champion safety, quality and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior estimating, pre-construction, commercial or estimating management role.
• Strong understanding of Mechanical, Electrical and MEP Building Services.
• Experience leading estimating teams and managing multiple tenders.
• Strong commercial awareness and knowledge of tendering processes and contract forms.
• Experience working on complex construction, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, defence or regulated projects.
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with MCA estimating systems or similar is desirable.
• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Building Services, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline is desirable.
• Professional membership (CIBSE, IMechE, IET, RICS, CIOB or equivalent) is desirable.

Interested?

If you have the technical expertise, commercial acumen and leadership experience to lead an estimating function within a complex nuclear engineering environment, we would welcome your application.

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.

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.