Senior Estimator in Bury St Edmunds

An experienced senior estimator will report to the Estimating Manager within the Capital Programme directorate based in Bury St Edmunds. This is a permanent role.

Salary: £80,574 plus car and a 3% bonus. Blended working (3 days in office, 2 remote) after 6 month probation.

Close Date: 07/01/2026

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Reservist Leave – 18 days full pay, 22 unpaid.
• Personal Pension Plan – 4% or 5% personal contribution, matching 8% or 10% from UKPN.
• Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme, Season Ticket Loan.
• Tax efficient benefits: Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, Green Car Leasing Schemes.
• Occupational Health support.
• Switched On – discount scheme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Job Purpose:

• Produce high‑level sensitivity review of Gate B papers.
• Produce an abridged Appendix B with the EPN Development Manager for inclusion by the Infrastructure Planner into the Gate B paper.
• Produce the full Appendix B ‘Target Cost’ together with Alliance Delivery Members, Framework Providers and the project team.
• Build complete CU.
• Identify scope gaps from Gate requirements missed in Appendix B.
• Manage Appendix B, ensuring revisions are annotated and updated.

Dimensions:

• EPN Region connections annual work turnover – £50m.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Responsible for estimation of all EPN Major Connections projects.
• Liaise with Alliance Delivery Members, Framework Suppliers, the project team and other estimating colleagues.
• Ownership and production of the projects Appendix B Target Budget.
• Provide expertise on pricing and estimating techniques, durations and strategies for Appendix B CU builds.
• Introduce best‑in‑class pricing and estimating practices across the UKPN Capital Programme.
• Mentor project team members to ensure consistent, professional work.
• Evaluate options or alternatives with the Project Manager.
• Comply with company estimating guidelines and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all legislation and industry standards.
• Contribute to technical scope analysis to create best‑value estimates.
• Work with the Risk Manager to incorporate accurate risk estimates.
• Check accuracy and completeness of Alliance Delivery Member and Framework Provider returns.
• Review project programmes and provide recommendations.
• Eliminate hazards following CDM methodology for all projects.
• Present robust forecast values to senior management.
• Conduct cost‑benefit analysis scenarios.
• Use local market values to ensure accurate, value‑for‑money estimates.
• Assist with cost control of materials and OEM pricing.
• Forecast indirect costs (outturn and construction costs).
• DLO estimates.
• Core work: estimating prospective costs and mandates for projects.
• Populate a new estimating database.

Nature and Scope:

An integral member of the EPN Major Connections team and the wider Alliance Capital Programme estimating team, responsible for commercial pricing and estimating throughout the business. Capital Programme spans three regions (SPN, LPN, EPN) covering Major Connection and APP portfolios. You will work from the Bury St Edmunds office but may be required to travel to UKPN sites or offices. Attendance at weekly estimating meetings is expected to coordinate activities with the estimating team and Alliance Delivery Members.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• Live within commuting distance of Bury St Edmunds.
• Strong numerical and computer skills.
• Understanding of programmes (P6 and Microsoft Project).
• Commercial awareness.
• Aware of data confidentiality in a regulated business.
• Effective engagement with external engineering organisations and customers.
• Team‑working ethic and customer focus.
• Understanding of construction drawings and design specifications.
• Knowledge of planning and sequencing of construction projects.
• Experience procuring subcontractors or suppliers.
• Compile information for client submissions.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualification related to Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• HND or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or related field.
• Willingness to attend safety courses and hold safety certificates.

Experience:

• Estimating multi‑discipline Civil, Mechanical, Structural and HV & LV electrical projects.
• Estimating complex work packages.
• Experience with electrical power installations and techniques.
• Sound understanding of Construction Design Management (CDM).
• Knowledge of HV & LV installations and switchgear (not essential).
• Willingness to work hours to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Review and understand Primavera P6 programmes and Microsoft Project.

Software:

• COSTOS CANDY
• Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Project.

Health & Safety Responsibilities:

Managers and supervisors bear legal and company responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of employees and others affected by their work. Employees must understand the risks and apply controls to manage those risks. If in doubt, ask!

Equal Opportunities:

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

If you have any queries in connection to this vacancy or your application, please contact us at careers@ukpowernetworks.co.uk quoting the vacancy reference number and a member of the team will contact you soon.