At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for piping and mechanical work packages on major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovative infrastructure solutions in Bristol.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive family-friendly environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role ensuring cost certainty and commercial confidence in exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; extensive estimating experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
As we progress through a major, complex infrastructure programme, we’re looking for a highly experienced Senior Estimator to lead the estimating of piping and mechanical work packages. This pivotal role provides robust, high‑quality cost estimates underpinning project planning, commercial strategy, change control, and forecasting. Reporting to the Cost Forecasting & Estimating Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring cost certainty and commercial confidence across the project lifecycle. You’ll work as part of a fully integrated team alongside engineering, procurement, construction, commercial and project controls, ensuring estimates accurately reflect scope, risk, delivery strategy and site conditions.
Location: Bristol – Aztec West (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
What you’ll be doing
- Estimating & Cost Development
Prepare, review and validate detailed cost estimates for major piping and mechanical work packages. Develop estimates covering direct labour, materials, equipment, preliminaries, subcontracted services, indirects and allowances. Produce and maintain high‑quality Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation, clearly defining scope, assumptions, methodologies, pricing sources and risk allowances.
- Structure, Data & Governance
Ensure estimates are fully aligned to the project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and Control Account framework. Use historical data, productivity norms and industry benchmarks to validate estimate inputs. Lead and participate in estimate reviews, assurance activities and internal governance processes.
- Commercial & Delivery Integration
Work closely with planning and construction teams to ensure labour resources, installation rates and activity durations reflect the delivery strategy. Analyse supplier and subcontractor quotations in collaboration with procurement to ensure completeness and competitiveness. Provide estimating input to commercial negotiations, contract awards and cost target setting.
- Change, Risk & Forecasting
Support change control, trend analysis and re‑estimation as project scope evolves. Identify cost risks and opportunities, quantifying uncertainty and supporting contingency development. Ensure estimates feed accurately into forecasts, cash flow profiles and budget development in collaboration with Project Controls and Finance.
Who we’re looking for
- Qualifications
Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline. Professional membership desirable (e.g. AACE, RICS, ICES or equivalent).
- Experience & Skills
Extensive estimating experience on large, complex infrastructure or energy projects. Proven experience supporting early‑stage estimates for major programmes, including funding gates and commercial negotiations. Strong technical knowledge of piping fabrication, mechanical installation, welding, NDT and testing. Deep understanding of estimating methodologies, BOE development and WBS/CBS structures. Experience developing installation rates and applying productivity norms. Strong capability in analysing supplier and subcontractor pricing. Familiarity with EPC contracting models and alliance frameworks. High proficiency in estimating tools, databases and Excel‑based cost models. Strong commercial awareness and understanding of cost risk exposure. Confident communicator with the ability to influence across integrated project teams.
Benefits
Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow. 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata) Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave. Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more.
Equal Opportunities
We are a Disability Confident Employer, committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We also encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists. All applicants will be treated fairly and inclusively.
Senior Estimator – Piping & Mechanical in Bristol employer: Balfour
Join a forward-thinking company in Bristol, where as a Senior Estimator for Piping & Mechanical, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values flexibility and work-life balance. With smart working options allowing up to 40% remote work, generous leave policies, and a commitment to employee development, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to major infrastructure projects while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator – Piping & Mechanical in Bristol
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Balfour, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Estimator – Piping & Mechanical at Balfour.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator – Piping & Mechanical in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
