Shuttering Carpenters

Laing O'Rourke; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for career progression

Supportive environment for professional development

Exposure to innovative delivery methods and digital engineering

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke is seeking a Principal Estimator to lead estimating activities on major infrastructure projects across the UK. The role involves shaping competitive bid strategies and managing tender submissions while mentoring team members.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in leading estimating activities, a strong commercial mindset, and the ability to engage stakeholders effectively. Joining the company means working on innovative projects within a supportive environment that fosters professional growth.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading complex estimating and tendering activities within construction, infrastructure, engineering or related sectors.
• Proven ability to influence bid strategy and develop winning commercial solutions.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing teams within a project or work-winning environment.

Responsibilities

• Leading estimating activities across major, complex and strategically important bids.
• Developing bid strategies, identifying opportunities for innovation, and supporting successful negotiations.
• Managing, mentoring and developing estimating professionals to build capability and future talent.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver commercially robust and competitive solutions.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Relevant professional qualifications or industry accreditation

Job description

Principal Estimator

At Laing O'Rourke, we are redefining the future of construction through engineering excellence, innovation, and collaborative delivery. As a Principal Estimator, you will play a pivotal role in securing major projects that shape communities and critical infrastructure. Working alongside some of the industry's leading professionals, you will influence strategic decisions, develop winning solutions, and help drive the continued growth of one of the world's most respected engineering enterprises.

The Opportunity

At Laing O'Rourke, our estimating teams are at the heart of securing some of the most complex and rewarding projects across the UK and beyond. As a Principal Estimator, you will play a leading role in shaping winning strategies, developing commercial solutions, and supporting the delivery of landmark infrastructure and construction projects.

This is an opportunity to influence major business decisions from the earliest stages of project development, working alongside industry-leading professionals across engineering, commercial, procurement, planning, and delivery functions. You will also help develop future estimating talent while driving innovation and continuous improvement across the work‑winning process.

What you will be doing

You will be a trusted expert within the business, providing strategic estimating leadership across major bids and opportunities. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will help shape competitive solutions, manage complex tender submissions, and support the successful conversion of opportunities into secured work.

• Leading estimating activities across major, complex and strategically important bids.
• Developing bid strategies, identifying opportunities for innovation, and supporting successful negotiations.
• Managing, mentoring and developing estimating professionals to build capability and future talent.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver commercially robust and competitive solutions.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced estimating leader who combines technical expertise with strong commercial awareness and a collaborative approach. You will be confident influencing stakeholders, leading teams, and delivering high‑quality outcomes in a fast‑paced environment.

• Significant experience leading complex estimating and tendering activities within construction, infrastructure, engineering or related sectors.
• Proven ability to influence bid strategy and develop winning commercial solutions.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing teams within a project or work‑winning environment.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and problem‑solving skills, supported by relevant professional qualifications or industry accreditation.

What you can expect

Joining Laing O'Rourke means becoming part of an internationally recognised engineering enterprise that is redefining how the built environment is designed, delivered and operated. You will have the opportunity to work on industry‑leading projects while continuing to develop your own career and leadership capability.

• The opportunity to influence major projects and contribute to the long‑term growth of the business.
• Exposure to innovative delivery methods, digital engineering and modern construction techniques.
• A supportive environment that encourages professional development, knowledge sharing and career progression.
• The chance to work alongside some of the industry's most experienced and respected professionals.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email [e-mail].