Senior Estimator

Turner & Townsend Plc.; Belfast; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Pension

25 days Annual leave

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Turner & Townsend Plc. is seeking a Senior Estimator in Belfast to prepare detailed cost estimates, analyze project documents, and evaluate risks. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in cost management and estimation and proficiency in estimating software. This role offers a full-time position with a competitive salary, 25 days of annual leave, and opportunities for career development in a diverse environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in cost management and estimation.
• 5+ years in civil, rail, airport, or commercial construction projects.
• Knowledge of various contracting methods such as DBB and GMP.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates based on project documents.
• Evaluate risks and opportunities related to project costs.
• Communicate findings through presentations and reports.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders for alignment.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Collaboration skills

Problem-solving

Understanding of IT

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Project management software

Supervision and mentoring

Education

Minimum Level 8 degree in Engineering, Construction or Quantity Surveying

Tools

Estimating software (Candy, CostX)

Job description

Job Description

Due to continued growth in our Infrastructure team we are looking for a Senior Estimator in Belfast. The role involves preparing detailed cost estimates, analysing project documents, evaluating risks and opportunities, coordinating with stakeholders, reviewing estimate data, finalising unit cost pricing, collaborating with engineers, supervising cost estimates, training junior estimators, and supporting the reporting cycle for estimate changes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates to an appropriate level of detail consistent with the available design information.
• Analyse documents, drawings, and project plans to identify factors that may influence project cost.
• Provide continuous evaluation of estimates to determine the potential risks or opportunities that may influence the completion of the project to ensure it remains within budget.
• Communicate cost estimating deliverables and findings to senior management, contractors, and vendors through presentations and reports.
• Obtain accurate and up‑to‑date pricing information from databases, contractors, and suppliers to support estimate preparation, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
• Review and finalise estimates to reflect current market conditions and specific project conditions.
• Review historical benchmark cost information and identify any significant variances.
• Collaborate proactively with the MetroLink organisation to gain a clear understanding of the project scope to support estimate preparation and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Provide continuous training and mentorship to junior and intermediate level estimators.
• Proactively support the reporting cycle that clearly communicates estimate changes and the rationale behind them, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness in routine reporting.
• Prepare and review material take‑offs from documents and drawings.
• Review contract documents to understand scope of work and cost allowances for scope changes.
• Perform additional tasks, activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as part of the role.

Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in cost management and estimation.
• 5+ years experience conducting cost management and estimation on active civil, rail / transit, airport, or commercial construction projects.
• Knowledge of various contracting methods such as Design/Bid/Build (DBB), Design Build (DB), Construction Management At Risk (CMAR), Guarantee Maximum Price (GMP) etc.
• Experience with estimating software such as Candy, CostX, or similar.
• Tangible experience of implementing costing and estimating frameworks within a PMO function.
• Experience in large civil engineering projects in the rail, water or aviation sectors; candidates with experience on other large civil infrastructure projects are also considered.
• Working knowledge of the NEC form of contract.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate clear and consistent dialogue between all parties involved.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive estimating.
• Ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions to maintain the estimating process and timeline.
• Strong understanding of IT in the performance of work including Microsoft Windows OS, Adobe Acrobat and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Deep understanding of industry-specific technical aspects.
• Ability to identify and assess potential risks and opportunities.
• Proficiency in negotiating with vendors and contractors.
• Precision in preparing detailed estimates and reviewing project documents.
• Strong knowledge of estimation and project management software.
• Ability to supervise, train and mentor junior and intermediate estimators.
• Skill in identifying and resolving issues that may impact project costs.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 8 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area such as Engineering, Construction, or Quantity Surveying.

Professional Memberships

Membership of a relevant professional organisation is preferable but not essential, e.g. AACE International, Acoste, PMI, APM, SCSI / RICS, IEI or similar.

What we offer you

• Full time
• Competitive remuneration and attractive range of benefits
• Pension
• 25 days Annual leave (23 days + 2 company days)
• Opportunity to work on impactful and innovative projects
• Career development opportunities both in Ireland and globally
• Opportunity to work with a diverse group of talented and collaborative colleagues

Additional Information

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.