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- Tasks: Lead estimating for major infrastructure and energy projects, from concept to pricing.
- Company: Join a leading international consultancy with a focus on high-profile projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while collaborating in a dynamic, high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost estimation and proficiency in CostX or Candy software required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about construction and infrastructure with a desire to grow.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Senior Cost Estimator – Infrastructure & Construction
Location: London / Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 + package (dependent on experience)
A leading international consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to join their growing UK team. This is a client-facing role that will involve working on high-profile, large-scale infrastructure and energy projects across the UK and potentially Europe.
You will play a key role in the successful delivery of pre-construction services, supporting major capital programmes across the data centre, energy, and industrial sectors. The ideal candidate will have worked on complex infrastructure schemes and must have hands-on experience with CostX or Candy software to produce detailed, accurate estimates from first principles.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and deliver the full estimating process across multiple infrastructure and energy projects, from early-stage concept to detailed pricing.
- Prepare and review cost estimates from first principles using CostX or Candy software.
- Manage and coordinate benchmark data, quantity take-offs, cost breakdown structures, and risk allowances.
- Support tender and bid processes, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and commercial robustness.
- Provide strategic advice to clients, project teams, and internal stakeholders on cost planning, value engineering, and procurement strategies.
- Produce cost reports, cash flows, and variance analysis to support project teams and commercial leadership.
- Build strong client relationships and represent the company in a professional and credible manner.
Requirements:
- Significant experience as a Cost Estimator or Pre-Construction Commercial Lead, ideally on large-scale infrastructure or industrial projects.
- Strong working knowledge of CostX or Candy estimating software — must be comfortable with detailed take-offs and first-principles pricing.
- Proven background in producing robust, defensible estimates across multiple work packages (civils, MEP, structural, etc.).
- Ability to liaise directly with clients, understand project drivers, and provide commercial advice throughout pre-construction stages.
- Excellent analytical skills and commercial awareness.
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
- Experience working within a consultancy or contractor-side pre-construction team is desirable.
What’s on Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible hybrid working (London HQ)
- Opportunity to work on world-class infrastructure and energy projects
- Career development within a fast-growing consultancy with international presence
- Collaborative, high-performing commercial team environment
Cost Estimator employer: Keyman Personnel
Contact Detail:
Keyman Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the infrastructure and construction sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in cost estimation, particularly focusing on CostX and Candy software. Consider online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills, as demonstrating proficiency in these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on during interviews. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to successful outcomes. This will showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their recent projects, values, and culture. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals and demonstrating your enthusiasm for their work can make a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cost estimation, particularly with large-scale infrastructure projects. Emphasise your hands-on experience with CostX or Candy software, as this is crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description, and explain how your skills can contribute to their success.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as analytical abilities, commercial awareness, and client relationship management. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a Cost Estimator.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keyman Personnel
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience with CostX or Candy software during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you used these tools to produce detailed estimates, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous work on large-scale infrastructure or energy projects. Share examples of how you led the estimating process and any challenges you faced, along with how you overcame them.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
Since this role involves client-facing responsibilities, think of examples where you've successfully built relationships with clients. Prepare to discuss how you provided strategic advice and managed expectations throughout the pre-construction stages.
✨Understand the Company’s Projects
Research the consultancy's recent projects and their approach to cost estimation. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only impress the interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to align with their values and objectives.
