Rail Estimator (PMCM Rail)

WSP; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-from-home flexibility

Supportive development environment

Health and wellbeing programs

Employee resource groups for inclusivity

Gymflex scheme for gym memberships

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

A leading engineering and professional services firm is seeking a skilled Rail Estimator in Manchester. This role involves developing evidence-based cost estimates and contributing to major rail projects from feasibility to delivery. Ideal candidates will have prior rail estimating experience and familiarity with cost estimating software. With a strong focus on collaboration, you will work closely with various stakeholders ensuring successful project outcomes and have opportunities for career development within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering estimating, cost, or commercial management services in the Rail or wider Infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrable experience in bottom-up estimating from first principles.
• Working knowledge of NEC Contracts or other standard/bespoke contract forms.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust, evidence-based rail cost estimates as part of the estimating team.
• Work on projects covering track, civils, stations, electrification, signalling, telecoms, and wider rail systems.
• Support the delivery of estimating and cost planning services across complex rail projects.

Skills

Rail Estimating experience

Knowledge of estimating software

Strong written and verbal communication

Collaborative mindset

Education

Relevant educational background or apprenticeship

Tools

CostX

CANDY

Job description

Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A little more about your role…

As part of our client‑facingCost & Commercial Management Team within thePMCM Rail Group, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of high‑quality estimating and cost planning services across some of the UK’s most complex and high‑profileRail and Rail Systems projects. From early feasibility through to detailed design and delivery, your work will directly influence investment decisions, programme affordability and commercial outcomes across the rail network.

Your primary responsibility will be todevelop robust, evidence‑based rail cost estimates as a key member of our collaborative estimating team. You will contribute to estimates on projects covering track, civils, stations, electrification, signalling, telecoms, depots, and wider rail systems. Alongside estimating, you will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience acrossrail‑specific cost planning, procurement support and cost assurance, working with a wide range of internal and external clients.

This role provides an exceptional opportunity to grow your commercial expertise within the Rail sector, working in a specialist estimating team that spans early‑career professionals to senior industry experts. You’ll benefit from strong development pathways, technical mentoring and long‑term career progression opportunities across WSP.

Our work is inherently collaborative, you will work closely withNetwork Rail, Train Operators, major contractors, delivery partners, multidisciplinary engineering teams and supply chain stakeholders. You’ll operate flexibly across WSP offices, client offices and site locations to support the successful delivery of nationally and regionally significant rail programmes.

Your Team

You’ll become part of our diverse and growing community of Estimators, Cost Managers, Commercial Managers and related specialists working across the UK.

Our Project Management & Commercial Management Team comprises around 500 colleagues, delivering Estimating, Cost and Commercial Management, Project Management and Project Controls services for major public and private sector clients.

We are passionate about quality, proud of the value we add to major UK schemes, and continually striving to be the best in our field. We’d love you to help us become even better.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

Technical Experience

• Rail Estimating experience and familiarity with measurement methods such as Rail Method of Measurement (RMM1), Method of Measurement for Highway Works (MMHW) and the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM4). .
• Demonstrable experience in bottom‑up estimating from first principles.
• Knowledge and experience of Estimating software (e.g., CostX, CANDY).
• Experience working within a Rail Systems/Engineering, Commercial Management, or Civil Engineering environment (consultant, contractor, or client organisation).
• Working knowledge of NEC Contracts or other standard/bespoke contract forms.
• Experience delivering estimating, cost, or commercial management services in the Rail or wider Infrastructure sectors.

Skills & Behaviours

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client‑facing scenarios.
• Ability to demonstrate developing competencies aligned to relevant professional institutions.
• A collaborative mindset, able to work effectively within multi-functional teams.
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a passion for shaping better outcomes for clients and communities.
• Relevant educational background, apprenticeship, or equivalent industry experience.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can.Apply today.

#LI-JC3

Job Info

• Job Identification 83976
• Posting Date 03/31/2026, 12:29 PM

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.