Lead Estimator & Cost Planning Infrastructure

CURRIE & BROWN UK LIMITED; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Currie & Brown UK Limited is seeking a Lead Estimator & Cost Planning professional to oversee estimating across major infrastructure programmes in the UK and Europe, including rail, aviation, highways and energy. The role offers progression toward Director level and entails guiding design decisions and ensuring commercial viability through robust cost analysis.

You will manage bids, develop estimating strategies, and mentor talent while advancing a culture of continuous improvement across

Qualifications

• Requires degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; professional accreditation preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in estimating and cost planning for major infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage staff, and mentor talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and cost planning across full project lifecycles for rail, aviation, highways and energy sectors.
• Develop and implement estimating strategies ensuring compliance and consistency.
• Prepare early cost plans and refine to detailed design with robust forecasting.
• Line manage and mentor teams locally and nationally; drive P&L ownership as Director level.
• Represent the company in client and consultant interfaces throughout project stages.

Skills

Leadership

Cost planning

Estimating

Mentoring

Business growth

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Chartered or RICS accreditation

Job description

About The Role

Lead Estimator & Cost Planning for Infrastructure (UK & Europe)

Progress to Director | Shape Major Projects | Inspire Teams

Location: London (with UK & Europe remit)

Join a Team That Builds the Future

At Currie and Brown, we don't just estimate costs - we shape the success of the UK and Europe's most ambitious infrastructure projects. If you're ready to lead, innovate, and grow, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Your Role

As Lead Estimator, you'll deliver high-quality estimating and cost planning services across major infrastructure programmes-Rail, Aviation, Highways, and Energy. You'll manage complex estimates, guide design decisions, and ensure commercial viability through robust cost analysis.

What sets us apart?

• Structured career progression to Director level
• Opportunities to lead teams, and take P&L responsibility
• Influence strategy and mentor talent
• Be at the forefront of cost advisory innovation

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll inspire early careers talent and help foster a culture of continuous improvement, while reviewing team outputs to ensure excellence in delivery. You'll be responsible for constructing bids and proposals for new work, actively identifying cross-selling opportunities, and representing the company in client and consultant interfaces throughout all stages of a project. As you progress toward Director level, you'll follow a structured development pathway and meet performance milestones, taking ownership of P&L for a defined segment of the infrastructure business. You'll also champion innovation and best practice across the estimating discipline.

• Manage the estimating and cost planning process across full project lifecycles
• Develop and implement estimating strategies, ensuring compliance and consistency
• Prepare initial cost plans at pre-concept and concept stages, refining through to detailed design
• Apply deep sector knowledge and leverage market data for robust forecasting
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sector-specific solutions
• Line manage and mentor high-performing teams locally and nationally

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field (preferred)
• Chartered or working towards RICS or equivalent
• High standard of estimating or quantity surveying experience (consultancy or contractor background)
• Proven experience on major infrastructure programmes (Rail, Aviation, Highways, Energy)
• Operational finance and internal project reporting experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage staff effectively
• Role model for junior staff and advocate for best practices in estimating

Why Join Us?

• Growth: Structured pathway to Director, with real influence on business strategy
• Impact: Work on landmark projects that shape communities and economies
• Culture: Collaborative, innovative, and supportive environment
• Recognition: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for advancement

About Us

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