Managing Estimator

Maxim Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious construction consultancy is seeking a Managing Estimator to lead estimating teams and provide oversight on major UK infrastructure projects. Candidates should possess over 10 years of estimating experience, including strong client-facing skills and the ability to mentor junior staff. The role offers flexible working, professional development opportunities, and involvement in significant infrastructure investments across the UK. Chartered status in a relevant field is preferred.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

Professional development support

Travel expenses covered

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in estimating with client-facing responsibilities.
• Proven leadership skills in managing estimating teams for infrastructure projects.
• Strong background in costing and benchmarking for large-scale programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop estimating teams for complex infrastructure projects.
• Provide strategic input to bids and proposals.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators within the team.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating practices.

Skills

Client-facing experience

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

First-principles estimating

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or Construction Management

Chartered status (RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE)

Job description

Project Details

Construction projects include large-scale and complex programmes across transport, rail, highways, energy, nuclear, renewables, power, water, defence, and aviation sectors.

Responsibilities and Duties

This senior estimator role will involve strategic oversight, team management, and direct engagement with clients on major UK infrastructure frameworks :

• Lead and develop estimating teams delivering Class 5 to Class 1 estimates for complex infrastructure projects
• Review, challenge, and approve estimates to ensure robustness and consistency across programmes
• Provide commercial and strategic input to bids, proposals, and work-winning activities
• Advise clients on estimating methodologies, risk, contingency, and cost certainty strategies
• Ensure effective use of benchmarking, historical cost data, and estimating systems
• Mentor and develop junior estimators and cost consultants within the team
• Lead stakeholder and client presentations on estimating outputs and cost advice
• Drive continuous improvement, data governance, and best practice within the estimating function

Desired Skills and Experience

• 10+ years in estimating, with strong client-facing and infrastructure experience
• Proven ability to lead estimating teams and manage estimating functions at programme or portfolio level
• Strong background in first-principles estimating, benchmarking, and cost planning for infrastructure projects
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence in presenting to senior clients
• Ability to provide high-level commercial and strategic advice across multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience working within regulated infrastructure sectors (e.g. transport, energy, utilities, defence) is advantageous

Qualifications / Educational Requirements

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management or similar
• Chartered status (RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE) preferred
• Security clearance eligibility may be advantageous for some projects

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is seeking a Managing Estimator on behalf of a prestigious construction consultancy delivering estimating and cost advisory services for flagship UK and international infrastructure programmes.

The consultancy promotes a collaborative, people-focused culture, offering structured professional development, leadership opportunities, and exposure to some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure investments.

A full client overview will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Flexible working policy
• Professional development and chartership support
• Travel expenses covered where required