Lead Estimator & Cost Planning Infrastructure

Currie & Brown; Slough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Job summary

Currie & Brown is seeking a Lead Estimator & Cost Planning for Infrastructure to drive high-value bids across UK & Europe. You’ll manage complex estimates, develop cost plans, and guide design decisions to ensure commercial viability across rail, aviation, highways and energy projects.

The role offers progression toward Director, leadership of multi-disciplinary teams, and opportunities to shape major infrastructure programmes from London with UK & Europe remit.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field (preferred).
• Chartered status or working towards RICS.
• Extensive estimating or quantity surveying experience in infrastructure.
• Experience on major infrastructure programmes (Rail, Aviation, Highways, Energy).
• Experience with internal project reporting and finance.

Responsibilities

• Manage estimating and cost planning 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 detailed design.
• Apply sector knowledge and market data for robust forecasting.
• Line manage and mentor high-performing teams locally and nationally.

Skills

Estimating

Cost Planning

Leadership

Rail/Infrastructure experience

Client liaison

Team mentoring

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field

Chartered or working towards RICS

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

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