At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost estimation for major projects and support management with critical data analysis.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in defence and aerospace with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, health benefits, and employee share plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in cost estimation; strong Excel and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Relocation support available and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Cost Estimator
Location: Barrow-in-Furness. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role
Salary: £43,000+ depending on skills and experience
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting management in the resource and governance to the Programme teams across the business including bid-related activity, ongoing contract management and outturn forecasting up to and including Final Pricing, across the full (LCM) Life Cycle Management spectrum, in accordance with the (E2E) End-to-End Estimating Process
- Developing, managing, configuring and owning Labour and Material Cost Models, to support major Programmes as they progress through the Programme Life Cycle
- Providing advice to the Cost Estimators and the business on estimating, pricing, contract terms, inflation and variation of price issues as they relate to bidding and performing contracts
- Managing the development and interpretation of relevant Programme metrics that support the understanding and forecasting of cost, schedule or quality performance against the baseline plan or reconciliation with the contract price
- Managing and resolving customer queries (internal and external) and issues in areas of responsibility, escalating significant problems as appropriate and highlighting trends and emerging issues
- Managing the effective performance of Commercial employees who report to this position, taking responsibility for the professional development of these direct reports
Your skills and experiences:
Essential:
- Degree Level Qualification or equivalent by experience within Cost Estimation in major projects
- Previous experience in line management
- Microsoft Packages, in particular Excel
- Data Analysis, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Desirable:
- Experience in different estimating toolsets such as Monte Carlo, parametric, and propricer
Benefits:
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The Commercial Estimating team:
You will be working as part of the Commercial Estimating function, the role is responsible for first line management of the team and is responsible to work closely with all areas of the business, across a broad spectrum of tasks, from facility business cases to design studies to whole boat pricing that will give you an excellent understanding of the business unit and how it operates. Your primary involvement will be in a managing and leading role, to support the business through the creation of cost and price estimates, in relation to the management of existing contracts and the capture of new business, through the supply of critical data and analysis in support of key business decisions. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 24th October 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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Principal Cost Estimator employer: BAE Systems.
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cost Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their projects and challenges, especially in cost estimation. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the Principal Cost Estimator role. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cost Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant cost estimation experience and any management roles you've held. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Principal Cost Estimator role and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any estimating toolsets you’ve used. We’re looking for critical thinkers who can analyse data effectively, so make sure to highlight these skills in your application.
Apply Early!: We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so don’t wait around! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Cost Estimator, you'll need to be comfortable with numbers and data analysis. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform cost estimates in past projects. Prepare examples that showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand the End-to-End Process
Familiarise yourself with the End-to-End Estimating Process mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to explain how you’ve managed cost estimation throughout the project lifecycle. Highlight any experience you have with Labour and Material Cost Models, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, think about your previous line management experiences. Prepare to discuss how you've developed your team members and resolved conflicts. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in estimating and pricing tasks.
✨Prepare for Customer Queries
You’ll be managing customer queries, so think about times when you've successfully handled difficult questions or issues. Be ready to discuss your approach to communication and how you escalate significant problems. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships both internally and externally.