At a Glance
- Tasks: Create detailed cost estimates for major rail infrastructure projects using first principles.
- Company: Join CPC Project Services, an award-winning, employee-owned consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, flexible working, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting growth journey towards £100m turnover by 2033 with excellent career stability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile infrastructure projects while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in estimating for rail or major infrastructure projects is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Cost Planner to support a major rail infrastructure programme based in Leeds. This is a hands-on, technically focused estimating role working within a live rail delivery environment. The primary focus is the development of robust bottom-up estimates from first principles, supporting major infrastructure work packages under an NEC contract framework.
You will play a key role in shaping commercial outcomes by producing detailed, defensible cost build-ups that directly inform project delivery, pricing strategy and investment decisions. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to be close to major rail delivery — working at the centre of a high-value, complex infrastructure programme.
About CPC Project Services: We’re an award-winning, independent Project Management and Cost Consultancy with over 36 years’ experience delivering high-quality infrastructure, property and transformational change projects across the UK. We became employee-owned in 2024, placing our people firmly at the heart of the business. That means a culture built on ownership, pride, and genuine influence, where you are empowered to shape both the work you deliver and the direction of the company. We are currently on a clear growth journey towards £100m turnover by 2033, making this a genuinely exciting time to join our expanding Commercial Services team.
Our Commercial Services function works across a diverse portfolio of flagship programmes in Rail, Aviation, Highways and Local Authority sectors, giving you exposure to some of the most high-profile and technically complex infrastructure projects in the UK.
Key Responsibilities:- Develop detailed bottom-up cost estimates for rail infrastructure work packages using first principles
- Review and interpret drawings, specifications, scope documents and programme information to produce robust cost build-ups
- Develop labour, plant, materials and subcontract pricing models
- Support pricing strategy and commercial decision-making within an NEC contract environment
- Prepare and review cost estimates for major change events and compensation events
- Challenge contractor estimates and provide independent cost validation and assurance
- Support risk, value engineering and change management processes from an estimating perspective
- Contribute to benchmarking, cost intelligence and estimating standards across the programme
- Work closely with commercial, engineering and delivery teams to ensure alignment between scope, methodology and cost
- Support forecasting cycles and ongoing cost assurance activities
We are looking for a strong infrastructure estimator with proven experience producing detailed, bottom-up cost estimates in complex delivery environments.
Experience:- Proven experience as an Estimator, Senior Estimator or Lead Estimator within rail, civils or major infrastructure projects
- Strong background in bottom-up estimating from first principles
- Experience producing detailed cost build-ups (labour, plant, materials, subcontract)
- Strong understanding of estimating methodologies and pricing strategy
- Good working knowledge of NEC contracts and change mechanisms
- Ability to review technical documentation and translate into robust cost estimates
- Strong analytical, numerical and commercial skills
- Confident engaging with engineers, commercial teams and delivery stakeholders
Based in Leeds (short walk from the station). Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office (Tuesday–Thursday). Collaborative, programme-led environment with long-term project stability.
Why CPC?At CPC Project Services, we offer more than just a competitive salary — we provide a benefits package that supports you both at work and beyond, including:
- Private healthcare for you and your family (including dental and optical)
- Private pension scheme
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Travel insurance (including winter sports) for you, your partner and dependants
- Support with professional memberships and ongoing training
We also believe great work deserves recognition, with a personal performance bonus and annual salary reviews.
Diversity & Inclusion:CPC is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive environment for professional growth and development.
Next Steps:If you’re an experienced estimator looking to work on major rail infrastructure programmes where your work directly influences delivery outcomes, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Senior Estimator in Bradford employer: CPC Project Services
CPC Project Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee ownership and empowerment, fostering a culture of pride and influence. With a commitment to professional growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including private healthcare, a pension scheme, and support for ongoing training, all within a collaborative environment focused on high-profile rail infrastructure projects in Leeds. Join us during this exciting growth phase as we aim for £100m turnover by 2033, where your contributions will directly impact major delivery outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Bradford
✨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 CPC Project Services, 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 at CPC Project Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Bradford
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 CPC Project Services
✨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!
