Senior Estimator

Maxim Recruitment; Epsom; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected construction consultancy is looking for an Estimator to handle complex UK infrastructure projects including rail and highways. The role involves preparing estimates, leading peer reviews, and engaging with stakeholders. Ideal candidates have 5-10 years of relevant experience, strong measurement skills, and excellent communication abilities. The company offers a collaborative culture, professional development support, and flexible working policies.

Benefits

37.5-hour work week

Flexible working policy

Professional development support

Travel expenses covered

Strong career progression

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in infrastructure estimating.
• Strong grasp of measurement and first-principles build-ups.
• Excellent client-facing abilities.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Measurement and take-off

Cost breakdown structures

Risk and uncertainty assessment

Clear communication

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Project Details

This Surrey 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

37.5-hour work week

Flexible working policy

Professional development and chartership support

Travel expenses covered

Strong career progression