Project Estimator (Permanent)

Job Title: Cost Engineer – Transport & Infrastructure
Location: London, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Full-time | Hybrid (on-site/client-facing where required)

The Opportunity

A leading consultancy delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK is seeking a skilled Cost Engineer to join its growing London team. This role sits within the transport and infrastructure division, supporting a major client on a high-profile capital programme.
You’ll work as part of a collaborative pre-construction team responsible for providing robust cost planning, estimating, and commercial assurance across a portfolio of projects. With clear pathways for development and the opportunity to take ownership of key deliverables, this is a great opportunity for a detail-oriented, ambitious professional with a background in civil engineering or infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities
Support the Senior Cost Engineer and Head of Estimating by ensuring cost plans and estimates align with client standards and delivery expectations.
Develop and maintain accurate cost plans, estimates, and supporting documentation that can be assured both internally and externally.
Work autonomously or collaboratively to deliver consistent, high-quality cost outputs for major pre-construction programmes.
Provide quantification support, undertake measurement exercises, and help maintain an up-to-date cost database to inform benchmarking and value engineering.
Take ownership of portions of the estimating process, including change control, budget tracking, and supporting procurement strategy development.
Liaise with stakeholders across planning, commercial, procurement, and delivery teams to gather input and ensure estimates reflect the full scope of works.
Present cost estimates and justifications to senior internal and client stakeholders in a clear, structured, and commercially astute manner.
Mentor junior members of the estimating team and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential:
Strong infrastructure background – ideally in civil engineering, highways, rail, or utilities.
Previous experience in a cost engineering, estimating, or commercial role (main contractor or consultancy).
Proficient in Excel and other cost modelling tools.
Confident presenting to clients and senior stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and a methodical approach to cost management.

Desirable:
Proficiency in Candy Estimating Software and/or CostX (RIB) for digital quantification and estimating.
Familiarity with AACE’s Estimate Class system or other industry-standard estimating frameworks.
Chartered or working towards chartership (RICS, CICES, ICE, CIOB, etc.).
Experience working on pre-construction phases of major infrastructure programmes.
Ability to travel or work flexibly based on project requirements.

What’s on Offer
Opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects with high visibility.
A clear career progression path and support toward chartership or further development.
Collaborative, forward-thinking culture with space to contribute and lead.
Competitive salary and benefits package tailored to your experience.
Hybrid working and a strong commitment to work-life balance.