Senior Estimator in Cardiff

Cumming Group is an international project and cost management consultancy delivering innovative solutions in construction, real estate, and infrastructure. With a commitment to collaboration, transparency, and performance excellence, we support some of the world’s most respected clients across a diverse range of sectors.

We are looking for an Estimator to join our Cost Intelligence team, supporting water-sector and major infrastructure projects. This role provides an opportunity for an experienced estimator to contribute to the development of early-stage cost estimates on complex, regulated infrastructure programmes.

The role spans both detailed and higher-level estimating activities requiring a strong understanding and practical experience of top-down and cost-intelligence-led estimating approaches, and an ability to apply these appropriately alongside traditional methods.

• Prepare quantities and cost build-ups from drawings, specifications, and early design information.
• Support the development of capital cost estimates for water and major civil infrastructure projects across feasibility, options, and pre-tender stages.
• Apply asset-based Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) to structure, normalise, and benchmark estimates.
• Interpret designs in line with the relevant level of CBS for pricing.
• Carry out technical and commercial appraisal of subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Produce analytical estimates, including assessment of construction plant, temporary works, and delivery methodology.
• Use estimating software and Excel-based cost models to prepare accurate and auditable estimates.
• Contribute to top-down and parametric estimating where appropriate, using cost intelligence and historical outturn data.
• Support cost risk and uncertainty analysis, including contingency and optimism bias considerations.
• Support day-to-day delivery on Cost intelligence projects.
• Support knowledge capture, cost intelligence development, and sector initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with client governance, company policies, and quality standards.
• Commit to professional development and continuous improvement.

• Proven ability to deliver results in a client-facing estimating role.
• Strong stakeholder management skills within dynamic project environments.
• Able to manage demanding and changing deadlines.
• Structured, analytical, and detail-focused approach to cost development.
• Supportive team player with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to mentor junior colleagues when required.

• Experience estimating major civil or water infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrable experience working within the UK water sector or regulated infrastructure environment.
• Good working knowledge of top-down and parametric estimating techniques and their application.
• Experience using cost intelligence frameworks and asset-based CBS structures.
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in infrastructure estimating.
• Membership of a relevant professional body, or working towards professional development and accreditation.
• Strong technical understanding of civil engineering with the ability to influence estimating decisions.

Cumming Group is committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All job applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, gender reassignment, religion and belief.