Cost Estimator

Gardiner & Theobald is an independent construction and property consultancy committed to providing world class service to our clients. Our dedicated team of over 1,300 people delivers Cost Management, Project Management and Specialist Consultancy services from a network of UK and US offices bound by a common purpose - to build a better tomorrow. We define our success by the value we create for our clients, the fulfilling careers we build for our people and our contribution to the communities we work in. Our own long-term business performance aligns profit with purpose, taking social and environmental responsibility for our actions and the legacy we leave behind. People are central to our mission. Rewarding individuals based on their unique abilities, talent and hard work, we believe in the quality of experiences and investing in a collaborative culture where all can thrive.

We are currently looking for all levels of estimators with utilities experience to support with the growth of the business and the continued delivery of world class service to our diverse client base. Our Cost Estimating and Cost Intelligence teams work across a variety of sectors, offering you the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting and stimulating projects with no sector boundaries while our focus on training and development creates the perfect environment in which to progress your career. Working within a dedicated and dynamic cost estimating team and reporting directly into senior leadership, this is an exciting opportunity to work on high profile water sector/utilities projects. The ideal candidate will have experience as the day-to-day project contact and who thrives on challenges and client facing roles, being both eager to learn and develop whilst also helping to drive forward our position as an industry leader. Your attention to detail, analytical skills and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders will be paramount to your success in the role and the overall success of the projects.

As an estimator you will support in the development of G&T as a business, building relationships externally and internally and playing a part in recruiting new talent. You will be involved and take responsibility in managing a team (level dependent), managing multiple projects including fee income, budget and resources.

What You Will Do

As an estimator your day to day will focus on managing pre-contract activities ranging from managing estimates and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget constraints. You will begin to develop specialist knowledge and be responsible for a significant portion of projects. You will be encouraged to guide junior members of the team and play a part in growing the business through participation in the firm’s wider initiatives. The key responsibilities of the role will include:

• Cost Planning, Estimating and Benchmarking: Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and remain within established financial parameters. Monitor costs of work done and report on budget variances, providing prompt and accurate financial information to the Client. Monitor project budget, pro-actively manage the changes on the project, including project risk registers and contingency with the project team. This will include accurate periodic reporting and presenting of cost data and Cost of Work Done (COWD), accounting for any variances against budget in all commercial reports. Conduct accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including measurement and consideration of all project factors to inform rates throughout the design stage. Knowledge and ability to prepare and deliver cost plans. Usage of specialist tools and techniques in undertaking cost estimating exercises with understanding of methods/systems used for data gathering, management, storage and keeping data relevant and current. Analyse and evaluate the potential financial impact of design changes, recommending cost-effective solutions. Undertake market testing of costs, including liaising with specialist subcontractors and suppliers. Knowledge and ability to develop plans to analyse and to bridge gaps resulting from a benchmarking exercise.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess and cost potential risks associated with construction projects, developing strategies to mitigate and manage identified risks. Provide proactive advice to project teams on risk-related issues to avoid disputes and delays.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Degree qualified (not essential) CaSA or MRICS but not essential. Other professional qualifications or memberships desirable. We will support the training required to gain your professional qualification.
• Precontract experience.
• Experience of working under construction contract terms and conditions, preferably NEC or similar.
• Previous experience within a consultancy, client or contractor environment strongly desirable.
• Able to work on own initiative.
• A strategic thinker with broad problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a client focused environment with a personal commitment to the delivery of excellent client service.
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of market issues and events and their impact.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to get involved in business wide initiatives.
• Strong analytical, report writing and presentation skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Estimating software experience (not essential).
• Leadership skills providing guidance and advice to junior team members (Level dependent) in their work and professional development.
• Ability to work with internal teams, the client, and project teams to ensure effective communication and coordination.

About Us

Collaboration, innovation, and support are at the core of everything we do. At G&T you will be joining a diverse team led by one of G&T’s equity partners and a board member. Our partner-led model allows us to adopt bespoke approaches both in the service we offer to clients and in the development opportunities we offer our people. Within your team you will be given clear direction and positive encouragement at every turn, whilst our commitment to your career development and lifelong learning programmes ensures you have the support, as well as the tools to thrive. Forward thinking and future focused, we champion social mobility, ethical governance, equality and diversity, creating an inclusive environment where everyone’s unique talents and experiences are valued. Our ESG goals are at the forefront of our business plan, and we are proud to have created social value worth over £24.15m+ since 2021. Our initiatives include the G&T ESG Committee, dedicated to increasing opportunities and removing barriers for social mobility and equality within the firm, as well as our Next Gen programme which focuses on nurturing the next generation in the industry. Our commitment to realising a more sustainable future is witnessed not only by helping our clients meet their own net zero carbon aspirations but also by reaching our own, with an aim for our firm to be net zero by 2030.