Senior Estimator

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

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Estimator to prepare and manage estimates across various infrastructure projects. This role offers flexible working, a focus on professional development, and a chance to work on significant UK infrastructure portfolios. Ideal candidates will have extensive estimating experience and be capable of engaging effectively with stakeholders.

Benefits

Professional development and chartership support

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in infrastructure estimating.
• Strong grasp of cost breakdown and indirects.
• Ability to structure estimates and engage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage estimates from feasibility to design.
• Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates.
• Conduct quantity take-offs and validate estimates.

Skills

Experience as an Estimator

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Measurement and take-off

Understanding of risk and contingency

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction

Chartership with RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE

Tools

Estimating software

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 Cambridge 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 abilities
• Competence 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)