Senior Estimator

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

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Cardiff seeks a Senior Estimator to develop detailed project estimates across transport and energy sectors. Applicants should have 5-10 years of experience and a degree in Quantity Surveying or similar. The role offers competitive salary up to £70k+, flexible working, and significant professional development opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Professional development support

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator within infrastructure.
• Strong grasp of measurement, take-off, and first-principles build-ups.
• Understanding of risk, uncertainty, and contingency within budgets.

Responsibilities

• Prepare estimates from early feasibility through detailed design.
• Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates with clear narratives.
• Participate in peer reviews and quality assurance prior to submission.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Cost forecasting

Measurement and take-off

Confidence in client engagement

Data-driven mindset

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or similar

Working towards chartership

Tools

Industry estimating software

Job description

A Senior Estimator role within a respected construction consultancy’s Complex Infrastructure team in Cardiff.

You’ll develop Class 5 to Class 1 estimates, support bids and proposals, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across transport, energy, and wider infrastructure.

Flexible working, professional development, and varied project exposure are offered. Willingness to travel 2-3 working days per week/fortnight. Salary up to £70k+.

Projects for this Cardiff estimating job include transport, rail, highways, local authority works, energy, nuclear, renewables, power, water, defence, and aviation.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare estimates from early feasibility through detailed design, including first-principles build-ups
• Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates with clear basis-of-estimate narratives
• Complete independent quantity take-offs using recognised methods of measurement
• Use client benchmarks, in-house and market data to form and validate estimates
• Assess indirects, preliminaries, and overheads; structure estimates to agreed CBS/WBS formats
• Contribute to bids, proposals, and work-winning activity as needed
• Participate in peer reviews and quality assurance prior to submission
• Present outputs clearly to internal stakeholders and clients; address queries and clarifications
• Support risk/contingency development with project controls and QS teams
• Maintain estimating data, norms, and lessons learned for continuous improvement
• Use industry estimating software and standard office applications competently

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
• Understanding of risk, uncertainty, and contingency within budgets and cost forecasts
• Ability to structure cost breakdowns and manage indirect costs
• Stakeholder management skills; comfortable engaging designers, engineers, and project managers
• Familiarity with estimating tools and benchmarking approaches; data-driven mindset

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

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

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is seeking an Estimator for a highly regarded construction consultancy delivering estimating and cost advisory services across flagship UK infrastructure programmes.

The business promotes a collaborative culture, structured professional development, and a diverse project portfolio spanning transport, energy, and complex infrastructure.

A full client overview will be provided 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 for successful matches.