Senior Estimator in Manchester

Senior Estimator – Rail Infrastructure

Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 + car allowance

Location: UK Wide

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Sector: Rail

The Opportunity:

We are recruiting an experienced Senior Estimator to join a growing rail infrastructure business, playing a key role in pricing and securing major infrastructure projects across the rail sector.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator with a strong background in rail or major infrastructure to take ownership of complex tenders, develop competitive cost estimates and support business growth.

Working closely with the Pre-Contracts, Commercial and Bidding teams, you will help develop estimating strategies, manage commercial risks and ensure tender submissions are accurate, competitive and commercially robust.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets and tender submissions for rail infrastructure projects.
• Produce first-principles estimates using engineering drawings, specifications and project requirements.
• Estimate costs across track, civil engineering, stations, signalling and associated infrastructure works.
• Collaborate with commercial, engineering and project delivery teams to develop competitive bids.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Identify commercial risks, opportunities, exclusions and potential cost savings.
• Support value engineering and risk assessments to improve project profitability.
• Present estimates, cost breakdowns and recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure estimates are accurate, fully documented and compliant with company procedures.
• Manage tender handovers to delivery teams, clearly communicating assumptions, risks and pricing.
• Maintain estimating databases, cost benchmarks and productivity information.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to continuous improvement across the estimating function.

The Ideal Candidate:

• At least 8–10 years' estimating experience, including significant experience within rail or major infrastructure.
• Proven experience producing detailed, first-principles estimates for complex infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of rail infrastructure disciplines, including track, civils, stations and associated systems.
• Strong understanding of Network Rail standards and project delivery frameworks, including GRIP or PACE.
• Experience using estimating software such as Candy, CostX, CATO, Causeway or similar.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong analytical abilities.
• Commercial awareness and knowledge of NEC, Network Rail and other relevant contract forms.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.

Desirable:

• Experience with rail frameworks, alliance bids or major infrastructure tenders.
• Membership of, or working towards membership of, a relevant professional body.
• Knowledge of cost risk analysis, value engineering and estimating systems.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.

What's on Offer?

• £75,000 – £85,000 salary, depending on experience.
• Additional car allowance.
• Opportunity to work on major rail infrastructure projects.
• A senior position with influence over tender strategy and commercial decisions.
• Opportunity to contribute to business growth and continuous improvement.
• A collaborative environment working alongside experienced commercial and technical professionals.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Senior Estimator with a background in rail or infrastructure and are looking for your next career move, apply today with your CV to be considered for this opportunity.