Senior Estimator

Cumming Group UK & Europe; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumming Group is seeking an Estimator to join its Cost Intelligence team, focusing on water-sector and major infrastructure projects. The role supports early-stage cost estimates on complex, regulated programmes.

The role requires experience with top-down and parametric estimating, asset-based CBS structures, and cost intelligence methodologies, in a client-facing environment with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience estimating major civil or water infrastructure projects.
• Experience working in the UK water sector or regulated infrastructure.
• Knowledge of top-down and parametric estimating techniques.
• Experience using cost intelligence frameworks and CBS structures.
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, QS or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Prepare quantities and cost build-ups from drawings, specs and early design information.
• Develop capital cost estimates for water and major civil infrastructure projects (feasibility, options, pre-tender).
• Apply asset-based CBS to structure, normalise, and benchmark estimates.
• Interpret designs per CBS level for pricing.
• Carry out technical and commercial appraisal of subcontractor & supplier quotations.
• Produce analytical estimates including plant, temporary works, and delivery methodology.
• Use estimating software and Excel-based cost models for auditable estimates.
• Contribute to top-down and parametric estimating with cost intelligence data.
• Support cost risk and uncertainty analysis (contingency, optimism bias).
• Support knowledge capture and sector cost intelligence development.

Skills

Top-down estimating

Parametric estimating

Cost intelligence

Stakeholder management

Client-facing

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying

Professional accreditation (in progress)

Tools

Excel

Costing software

CBS structures

Job description

Estimator – Cost Intelligence (Water Sector & Major Infrastructure)

Cumming Group is an international project and cost management consultancy delivering innovative solutions in construction, real estate, and infrastructure. Through collaboration, transparency, and performance excellence, we support some of the UK’s most respected clients across regulated utilities and major capital programmes.

The Role

We are looking for an Estimator to join our Cost Intelligence team, supporting water-sector and major infrastructure projects. This role provides an opportunity for an experienced estimator to contribute to the development of early-stage cost estimates on complex, regulated infrastructure programmes.

The role spans both detailed and higher-level estimating activities requiring a strong understanding and practical experience of top-down and cost-intelligence-led estimating approaches, and an ability to apply these appropriately alongside traditional methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare quantities and cost build-ups from drawings, specifications, and early design information.
• Support the development of capital cost estimates for water and major civil infrastructure projects across feasibility, options, and pre-tender stages.
• Apply asset-based Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) to structure, normalise, and benchmark estimates.
• Interpret designs in line with the relevant level of CBS for pricing.
• Carry out technical and commercial appraisal of subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Produce analytical estimates, including assessment of construction plant, temporary works, and delivery methodology.
• Use estimating software and Excel-based cost models to prepare accurate and auditable estimates.
• Contribute to top-down and parametric estimating where appropriate, using cost intelligence and historical outturn data.
• Support cost risk and uncertainty analysis, including contingency and optimism bias considerations.
• Support day-to-day delivery on Cost intelligence projects.
• Support knowledge capture, cost intelligence development, and sector initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with client governance, company policies, and quality standards.
• Commit to professional development and continuous improvement.

Key Attributes

• Proven ability to deliver results in a client-facing estimating role.
• Strong stakeholder management skills within dynamic project environments.
• Able to manage demanding and changing deadlines.
• Structured, analytical, and detail-focused approach to cost development.
• Supportive team player with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to mentor junior colleagues when required.

Qualifications / Skills

• Experience estimating major civil or water infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrable experience working within the UK water sector or regulated infrastructure environment.
• Good working knowledge of top-down and parametric estimating techniques and their application.
• Experience using cost intelligence frameworks and asset-based CBS structures.
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in infrastructure estimating.
• Membership of a relevant professional body, or working towards professional development and accreditation.
• Strong technical understanding of civil engineering with the ability to influence estimating decisions.

Cumming Group is committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All job applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, “race” (including nationality, national / ethnic origins, colour), marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, gender reassignment, religion or belief.

Note for Recruitment Agencies:

We prefer to hire directly, and we will be in touch with our PSL agencies if this role is eligible for release.