Lead Estimator & Cost Planning Infrastructure (UK & Europe)

Currie & Brown Uk Limited; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consultancy is seeking a Lead Estimator to deliver top-quality estimating and cost planning services across major infrastructure programmes. This role offers a structured path to Director-level, with opportunities for leadership and innovation in a collaborative culture. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Quantity Surveying and substantial experience in infrastructure projects, particularly in Rail, Aviation, Highways, and Energy. Competitive salary and benefits are available.

Benefits

Structured career progression

Collaborative environment

Competitive salary

Recognition and advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• High standard of estimating or quantity surveying experience.
• Proven experience on major infrastructure programmes.
• Operational finance and internal project reporting experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality estimating and cost planning services.
• Lead teams and manage P&L for the infrastructure business.
• Ensure compliance and consistency in estimating strategies.

Skills

Estimating

Quantity Surveying

Leadership

Cost Planning

Project Management

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

• Inspire early careers talent and foster a culture of continuous improvement, reviewing team outputs to ensure excellence in delivery.
• Construct bids and proposals for new work, actively identify cross‑selling opportunities, and represent the company in client and consultant interfaces throughout all stages of a project.
• Take ownership of P&L for a defined segment of the infrastructure business and 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.

Qualifications

• 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.