Senior Estimating Engineer

Balfour Beatty plc; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonus

25 days annual leave

Company car or car allowance

Pension up to 7%

Training & development opportunities

Job summary

Balfour Beatty plc is seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Power Transmission & Distribution team. The role focuses on HV substation project estimates and bid support, with hybrid working from any office location including Leeds, Derby or Middlesbrough.

You will develop pricing strategies, review bids, and liaise with internal teams while ensuring compliance with bid governance and cost controls. Strong communication and risk analysis are essential.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with SSE and/or National Grid standards.
• Strong risk and opportunity analysis capabilities.
• Financial acumen with data and documentation analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Collaborative cross-functional team player.
• Willingness to commute to Balfour Beatty offices twice per week.
• Training in CANDY estimating software.
• 5–10 years’ estimating experience; 5+ years in power transmission and distribution.

Responsibilities

• Develop pricing strategies with the Estimating Manager.
• Attend bid meetings and contribute to strategy sessions and reviews.
• Stay informed on market trends and bid governance.
• Prepare cost summaries, cashflows and financial documentation.
• Understand technical and commercial project requirements and align estimates.

Skills

Familiarity with SSE/NG standards

Risk & opportunity analysis

Financial acumen

Excellent communication

Collaborative team player

Willingness to commute

CANDY estimating software training

Office hybrid work flexibility

Education

HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline

Tools

None specified

Job description

About the role

Balfour Beatty has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Estimator to join our Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D) business. This UK-based role focuses on estimating high-voltage (HV) substation projects across our client portfolio, supporting the delivery of critical infrastructure that powers communities and drives progress toward Net Zero.

This position offers excellent flexibility, with the option to work in a hybrid arrangement. You can be based from any of our offices, including Derby, Leeds, or Middlesbrough, and will typically spend two days a week in the office, with plenty of flexibility to work from home too.

What you'll be doing

Strategic Estimating & Bid Support

• Develop pricing strategies in collaboration with the Estimating Manager.
• Attend and contribute to bid meetings including strategy sessions, kick-offs, site visits, risk workshops, and pricing reviews.
• Stay informed on emerging products, technologies, and market trends.
• Ensure all estimates comply with bid governance and Gate procedures.
• Prepare cost summaries, cashflows, and other financial documentation.

Technical & Commercial Alignment

• Understand and interpret technical and commercial project requirements.
• Prepare accurate, competitive estimates aligned with detailed programmes.
• Liaise with Pre-Construction Manager and internal teams (Design, Procurement, Operations, Commercial).
• Review Bills of Materials and ensure alignment with project scope and schedule.
• Evaluate and benchmark supplier and subcontractor quotations.

Risk & Opportunity Management

• Identify and cost project risks and opportunities.
• Lead internal pricing reviews and benchmark against similar projects.
• Support the handover process to commercial, operational, procurement, and finance teams for successful contract mobilisation.
• Engage with project teams to capture lessons learned and actual cost feedback.

Who we're looking for

• Familiarity with SSE and/or National Grid (NG) standards.
• Strong understanding of risk and opportunity analysis.
• Financial acumen with the ability to analyse data and documentation accurately.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Flexibility to work occasional unsociable hours.
• Will receive training in CANDY estimating software.
• Willingness to commute to Balfour Beatty offices twice per week.

Desired skills:

• HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• 5–10 years’ experience in an estimating role.5+ years’ experience within the power transmission and distribution sector.

Why work for us

We don't just build infrastructure – we build careers. Join us and enjoy:

• Competitive Salary and bonus opportunities
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company car or car allowance
• Up to 7% employer pension contribution
• Professional fees paid and clear pathways to chartership
• Smart working with up to 40% remote flexibility
• Life assurance, EAP, and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities to volunteer and make a real difference
• Training & development with access to industry-leading tools and qualifications

About us

Balfour Beatty is a global leader in infrastructure delivery, known for solving complex challenges through innovation, collaboration and technical excellence. In our Power T&D business, we’re proud to be shaping a more sustainable, connected, and secure energy future.

We work across the entire energy grid – from overhead lines and substations to underground cabling and renewables – supporting the delivery of some of the UK's most ambitious energy programmes.

Diversity & Inclusion

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, and we’re proud to be recognised for our work in equality and inclusion.