At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating strategies for major infrastructure projects and drive commercial excellence.
- Company: Join Barhale, a top civil engineering firm with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, private medical, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a people-centric company that values diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental and social prosperity through innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in large-scale construction estimating.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Head of Estimating - Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
- About Barhale
Who are Barhale?
Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980.
We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:
- Water
- Transport
- Built environment
- Energy
We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.
Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset.
Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services.
We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.
We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:
- Tunnelling
- MEICA
- Temporary and permanent design
- Steel-fabrication
- Signs (design and fabrication)
- Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE
Company Website
Company Showcase Video
Why join Barhale?
- As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies.
- Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes
- A broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects and clients
- Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success.
- Head of Estimating
The Role
As Head of Estimating, you will be a key strategic leader driving commercial excellence across Anglian Water’s Business Units during AMP8—our most ambitious investment cycle to date.
You will shape and execute estimating strategies that deliver outperformance, environmental value, and customer affordability, while leading a high-performing team across the @one Alliance.
With full accountability for the Estimating function, you will foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and commercial acumen.
You and your team’s valuation of projects will drive the businesses understanding of performance and liability.
Maximising the financial and commercial interests of projects across the business you will manage and control all estimating activities throughout the life cycle of a project.
This is a high-impact opportunity to influence the success of over 750 capital projects and help deliver Anglian Water’s purpose: to bring environmental and social prosperity to the region we serve through our commitment to love every drop.
Key Responsibilities
- You will work closely with the key stakeholders aligning the needs of the business with stakeholder requirements whilst maintaining the integrity of the Estimating Process
- Estimating Systems & Cost Models – continually review, identifying and implementing efficiency improvements.
- Standard Products – champion their use and challenge where not used
- Innovations Team – provide cost analysis in support of new products, technologies and techniques
- Champion an inclusive working environment that values diversity.
- Ensure everyone has space to contribute and that all voices are heard.
- Challenge non-inclusive behaviours and lead by example with inclusive actions and language.
- Lead an Estimating team to support in the delivery of Business Units commercial and performance objectives.
- Use established knowledge and ways of building high performing teams, mentoring/ coaching, career & individual development.
- Be accountable for your team’s performance, outputs, welfare and wellbeing.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement in Health & Safety (H&S), ensuring consistent H&S standards are maintained.
- Ensure completion of a full Induction to H&S in accordance with Company policies, procedures, standards &/or guidance.
- Ensure adherence to safe working practices including completing audits in line with schedule.
- Monitor and maintain compliance with the Working Time Directive.
- Ensure you are compliant with the use of mandatory safety monitoring equipment, near miss reporting and compliance with the company procedures.
- Maintain H&S standards to enable a zero-accident culture.
- Actively work with your team, line manager and the H&S Team to improve upon H&S procedures where possible.
- Report all near misses through the appropriate channel to prevent future accidents.
About you
Essential
- Qualified to degree level in a relevant discipline
- Experience from working for a Principle Contractor
- In depth commercial, estimating and financial process & systems understanding, preferably in a contracting environment, of large scale multi million pound capital construction projects
- Proven ability in delivering business objectives at a strategic level
- Proven experience in developing best practice
- Ability to shape the future @one estimating delivery strategy
Desirable
- Experience of managing a large estimating department delivering project programmes in excess of £100m/annum
- Knowledge and experience working with NEC3 PSC and ECC contracts with the client and the supply chain, with emphasis on Option C
- Professional commercial qualification ie RICS/ ICES/ CIOB.
- Caring and investing in you
Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people.
Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company.
As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people.
We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.
From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by.
- Competitive salary
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical
- 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
- 8 hours volunteering
- Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
- Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
- Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
- Leadership & management training and coaching
- Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
- Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
- Continuous service awards
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estimating - Peterborough, Cambridgeshire in Watlington
✨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 Barhale, 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 Head of Estimating - Peterborough, Cambridgeshire at Barhale.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estimating - Peterborough, Cambridgeshire in Watlington
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 Barhale
✨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!
