Senior Estimator

Maxim Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Birmingham is seeking a Senior Estimator to deliver estimating and cost advisory services on complex infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will prepare detailed estimates and collaborate with project teams while enjoying flexible working arrangements. Candidates should have 5-10 years of related experience and a degree in a relevant field. Competitive salary up to £70k plus benefits offered.

Benefits

Professional development and chartership support

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator within infrastructure.
• Competence in structuring estimates, indirects, and cost breakdown structures.
• Good understanding of risk, uncertainty, and contingency.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and own estimates from early feasibility through detailed design.
• Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates.
• Lead/participate in internal peer reviews and quality assurance checks.

Skills

Stakeholder management skills

Confidence in stakeholder engagement

Strong grasp of measurement and take-off

Clear, concise communicator

Familiarity with estimating tools/software

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction or similar

Job description

An excellent Senior Estimator job with a leading construction consultancy, working within a Complex Infrastructure team delivering estimating and cost advisory services across transport, energy, and wider infrastructure projects.

You will prepare robust Class 5 to Class 1 estimates, support bids and proposals, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams while enjoying flexible working and great career development.

Willingness to travel 2-3 working days per week/fortnight. Salary up to £70k+.

This Birmingham estimating job offers exposure to complex UK infrastructure portfolios, including transport, rail, highways, local authority works, energy, nuclear, renewables, power, water, defence, and aviation.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare and own estimates from early feasibility through detailed design using first-principles where appropriate
• Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates and associated basis-of-estimate narratives
• Complete and review quantity take-offs using recognised methods of measurement
• Use client benchmarking, in-house and market data to build and validate estimates
• Assess indirects, preliminaries, and overheads; structure estimates to agreed CBS/WBS formats
• Contribute to bids and proposals; support work-winning activity as needed
• Lead/participate in internal peer reviews and quality assurance checks prior to submission
• Present estimating outputs clearly to internal stakeholders and clients; manage queries and clarifications
• Support risk and contingency development in collaboration with project controls and QS teams
• Use estimating software and standard office applications to a competent level
• Maintain estimating data, norms and lessons learned for continuous improvement

Desired Skills and Experience

• 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator within infrastructure (e.g, rail, highways, energy, water) on the consultancy or contractor side is ideal
• Strong grasp of measurement, take-off, and first-principles build-ups
• Confidence in stakeholder engagement and excellent client-facing abilitiesCompetence in structuring estimates, indirects, and cost breakdown structures
• Good understanding of risk, uncertainty, contingency and how they influence budgets
• Clear, concise communicator able to work with designers, engineers and project managers
• Familiarity with common estimating tools/software and benchmarking approaches
• Stakeholder management skills and the ability to work across multiple live commissions

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction or similar (or equivalent experience)
• Working towards or holding chartership with RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE (desirable)
• Eligibility for security clearance may be advantageous on some projects

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is supporting a respected construction consultancy with a strong track record delivering estimating and cost advisory services on flagship UK infrastructure programmes.

The business offers a collaborative culture, high-quality professional development, and a diverse portfolio across transport, energy, and wider complex infrastructure.

A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Professional development and chartership support

Hugh Duffield is our specialist consultant managing this position

0116 473 5358
(Office hours 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday)

and get a £500-£1000 cash reward forsuccessfulmatches.