Lead Estimator

Lead Estimator

Location: Office-based, with travel to other UK locations

Salary: Up to £90,000 (DOE)

Full-time | Permanent | 37.5 hours per week

DCS Engineering are currently supporting a growing engineering and technical organisation with the recruitment of a Lead Estimator to oversee the development of accurate, competitive cost estimates across a range of engineering and construction projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimating professional to take a lead role within a group-wide estimating function, driving consistency in processes, improving cost benchmarking and supporting commercial decision-making across projects from initial concept through to execution.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of cost estimates across engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and project management activities.

• Coordinate estimating inputs from engineering, commercial, procurement, construction and supply chain teams.

• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and scopes of work to establish accurate project costs.

• Evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations and prepare client-facing estimates, proposals and clarifications.

• Develop estimating methodologies, cost models, work breakdown structures and Basis of Estimate documentation.

• Identify cost risks, opportunities and contingency allowances to support robust, risk-adjusted estimates.

• Work with commercial teams to assess expected gross margins, profitability and overall project performance.

• Maintain cost databases, historical project data, productivity benchmarks and estimating norms.

• Validate estimates against previous projects, market trends and industry benchmarks.

• Lead, mentor and develop estimators, ensuring consistent standards and estimating procedures across the business.

• Support project delivery teams with budget development, cost forecasting, variations, change orders and claims.

• Drive continuous improvement across estimating processes, systems and governance.

The Candidate:

• Proven experience in a senior cost estimating role within engineering, construction or a related technical environment.

• Experience leading estimates for large-scale engineering and construction projects.

• Demonstrable experience leading, mentoring and developing an estimating team.

• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Cost Engineering or a related discipline.

• Strong knowledge of cost estimating methodologies, cost modelling, quantity take-offs and benchmarking.

• Experience assessing project risks, contingency allowances and commercial cost exposure.

• Good understanding of tendering, bid management, contracts and commercial project requirements.

• Experience coordinating estimating inputs across multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams.

• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines.

• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage with technical teams, commercial stakeholders and senior management.

• Experience developing estimating procedures, cost databases and productivity benchmarks.

• Proactive approach to process improvement, governance and maintaining consistent estimating standards.

• Professional membership or qualifications such as RICS or AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) would be advantageous.

INDENG

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality

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