Senior Estimator

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Estimator to join their dynamic team on a landmark infrastructure project. This high-impact role will allow you to leverage your expertise in cost estimation to shape procurement strategies for major civil engineering works. You will lead a team, develop detailed cost estimates, and collaborate with various teams to ensure project success. With a focus on innovation and precision, this opportunity promises to enhance your career in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Join us and make a significant impact in the infrastructure sector!

Qualifications

• Proven experience estimating major civil infrastructure projects.
• Strong technical estimating skills and comfort working from first principles.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or Civil Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed cost estimates for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Oversee and mentor a team of estimators for accurate pricing models.
• Prepare and present estimate reviews to stakeholders and clients.

Skills

Estimating major civil infrastructure projects

Technical estimating skills

Excel skills

Client-facing communication

Leading and mentoring teams

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Candy

CostX

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Location: London, UK

Department: Infrastructure & Transportation Projects

About the Role:

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Estimator to join a high-performing team delivering one of the UK’s largest and most complex infrastructure programs. This is a high-impact role where your expertise will shape the cost and procurement strategy for major civil engineering works.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of robust, detailed cost estimates for large-scale infrastructure projects at all stages of design.
• Oversee and mentor a small team of estimators to ensure consistent, accurate pricing models.
• Work closely with the Head of Estimating to develop cost planning approaches in line with client requirements.
• Build comprehensive BOQs (Bills of Quantities) from first principles using industry-standard software such as Candy or CostX.
• Interface with planning, engineering, procurement, and commercial teams to gather scope, methodology, and risk information for accurate pricing.
• Prepare and present estimate reviews to internal stakeholders and client teams, including full cost breakdowns and justifications.
• Provide continuous benchmarking and market analysis to inform pricing assumptions.
• Support value engineering exercises and option appraisals.
• Monitor budgets through preconstruction phases, ensuring alignment with funding approvals and commercial strategy.
• Maintain a focus on safety, constructability, and program alignment when building up rates and packages.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience estimating major civil infrastructure projects—such as energy, transportation, or heavy civils.
• Strong technical estimating skills and comfort working from first principles.
• Excellent Excel skills, along with familiarity with Candy, CostX, or similar estimating tools.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Clear and confident communicator with strong client-facing abilities.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Chartered (or working toward) with RICS, ICE, or similar.
• Experience in collaborative contracting environments (e.g., NEC4).
• Knowledge of current market conditions and procurement strategies.

Why Join?

You’ll be at the heart of a landmark infrastructure project that will define your career. You’ll be joining a collaborative, inclusive team that values precision, innovation, and impact—and gives you the tools to thrive.