Lead Estimator - Highways & Infrastructure Tenders

Involve Recruitment Ltd.; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Involve Recruitment Ltd. is partnering with a leading Tier 1 contractor to recruit a Managing Estimator to lead estimating activities for major highways tenders across the UK.

You will manage a team of estimators and deliver accurate, competitive cost estimates from bid strategy through to tender submission. The role requires coordinating inputs with Commercial, Operations and Design, reviewing tender documents, and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Significant estimating experience within highways maintenance or infrastructure.
• Experience leading estimating teams and contributing to successful bids.
• Strong understanding of NEC and target cost contracts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tenders with governance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team delivering major highways tenders and frameworks.
• Develop detailed cost estimates, pricing models and tender submissions.
• Review tender documentation, identifying risks, opportunities, assumptions and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate estimating inputs from Commercial, Operations, Design and Procurement teams.
• Ensure estimates are accurate, compliant, competitive and aligned with delivery methodologies.
• Support bid strategy, win themes and commercial positioning.
• Lead risk and opportunity assessments and develop pricing allowances.
• Engage with supply chain partners to secure quotations and market intelligence.
• Maintain estimating databases, benchmarking information and cost models.
• Mentor and develop Estimators and Assistant Estimators.
• Provide estimating expertise through pre-contract and contract award stages.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

NEC contracts

Cost modelling

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying

Tools

CostX

Excel

Job description

Involve Recruitment Ltd. is partnering with a leading Tier 1 contractor to recruit a Managing Estimator to lead estimating activities for major highways tenders across the UK.

You will manage a team of estimators and deliver accurate, competitive cost estimates from bid strategy through to tender submission. The role requires coordinating inputs with Commercial, Operations and Design, reviewing tender documents, and mentoring junior staff.