Lead Estimator (Nuclear & Major Projects)

BMSL Group Ltd; Nether Stowey; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Job summary

BMSL Group Ltd in Bridgwater and Bristol is seeking a Lead Estimator to head Mechanical and Electrical estimating for nuclear and major projects. You will drive bid strategy and governance in a highly regulated environment, shaping tender submissions from assessment through to final bid.

Reporting to the senior management team, you will lead a team, challenge estimates, and manage commercial risk while supporting growth across HPC and related programmes. A flexible working model is offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Lead Estimator or similar pre-construction leadership.
• Strong Mechanical and Electrical estimating background in complex projects.
• Experience delivering tenders for nuclear/major infrastructure sectors.
• Strong commercial awareness with risk and bid-strategy focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Mechanical and Electrical estimating across multiple tenders.
• Review and challenge estimates for technical accuracy and competitiveness.
• Support bid strategy, bid/no-bid decisions and tender planning.
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
• Chair tender review and governance meetings.
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor engagement during tender.
• Support commercial negotiations and client clarifications.
• Establish estimating standards and governance processes.
• Lead and develop the estimating team for consistency and quality.

Skills

Lead Estimating

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Tender strategy

Team leadership

Job description

Lead Estimator (Nuclear & Major Projects)
Up to 85,000 + Car Allowance + Comprehensive Benefits Package
Bridgwater Bristol

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Estimator to join a major engineering delivery team supporting one of the UK's largest and most significant nuclear infrastructure programmes.

This is a senior position within the pre-construction function, responsible for leading Mechanical and Electrical estimating activities across a portfolio of complex major project opportunities within a highly regulated environment. You'll play a key role in shaping bid strategy, driving commercial governance and supporting the successful delivery of large-scale engineering and infrastructure projects.

Highlights

• Choice of a 9-Day Fortnight or Traditional 5-Day Working Week
• Access to established offices in Bridgwater and Bristol, supporting the Hinkley Point C programme.
• A working model that offers greater flexibility than many traditional major project and site-based roles
• Opportunity to help shape and lead the estimating function on one of the UK's most significant nuclear infrastructure programmes
• Long-term project pipeline with genuine career progression opportunities

Supporting the Hinkley Point C programme doesn't necessarily mean being tied to site five days a week. Alongside project activities at HPC, the team also operates from established offices in Bridgwater and Bristol, creating a more flexible working environment than many comparable major project roles.

The Role

Reporting as a key member of the senior management team, you'll provide leadership and direction across the estimating function, ensuring the delivery of accurate, commercially robust and technically compliant tender submissions.

Working closely with operational, commercial and procurement teams, you'll oversee opportunities from initial assessment through to final submission, providing challenge, guidance and strategic input to maximise competitiveness whilst effectively managing risk.

This role offers the opportunity to influence bidding strategy, support business growth and play a significant part in securing work on one of the UK's most important infrastructure programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Mechanical and Electrical estimating activities across multiple tender opportunities.
• Review and challenge estimates to ensure technical accuracy, commercial robustness and competitiveness.
• Support bid strategy, bid/no-bid decisions and tender planning activities.
• Identify and manage commercial risks, opportunities and value engineering initiatives.
• Chair tender review and governance meetings.
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor engagement throughout the tender process.
• Support commercial negotiations and client clarification meetings.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, governance processes and best practice.
• Collaborate with operational, procurement and commercial teams to support successful project delivery.
• Lead, mentor and develop the estimating team, promoting consistency, quality and continuous improvement across all tender submissions.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in a Lead Estimator, Senior Estimator, Estimating Manager or similar pre-construction leadership position.
• Strong Mechanical, Electrical or MEP estimating background gained within complex project environments.
• Experience delivering tenders for major projects within the nuclear, energy, defence, infrastructure or other highly regulated sectors.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing risk, opportunity and bid strategy.
• Experience leading, mentoring or managing estimating teams.
• Ability to review and challenge complex technical and commercial submissions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills.
• Relevant engineering, construction or commercial qualifications are desirable.

Package

• Salary up to 85,000
• 5,780 Car Allowance
• Choice of 9-Day Fortnight or Traditional 5-Day Working Week
• Access to offices in Bridgwater, Bristol and Hinkley Point C
• 26 Days Annual Leave
• Private Healthcare
• Life Assurance (4x Salary)
• 5.75% Employer Pension Contribution
• Travel and Lodge Allowances where applicable