At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost estimation for major infrastructure projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join Gleeds, a global leader in property and construction consultancy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a company recognised as a Great Place to Work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your expertise in cost management.
- Qualifications: Experience in infrastructure estimating and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Multiple Locations (Manchester, London, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol)
Permanent Full‑time with flexible working and core hours
Gleeds is a leading global property and construction consultancy. Independent since 1875, we are proud to deliver award‑winning projects worldwide. We are an accredited Great Place to Work employer, with our people at the heart of everything we do. Gleeds is one of the first global firms to specialise in cost management and assurance services.
We are looking for highly motivated Cost Consultant (Estimators & Cost Planners) with proven experience in the infrastructure sector (Rail, Highways, Aviation, Utilities, Water, Power and general Civils). Our team supports some of the UK’s most complex and high‑profile infrastructure programmes across Rail, Aviation, Water, Utilities, Power, Highways and General civils helping clients develop robust business cases, make informed investment decisions, and safeguard commercial outcomes.
Estimating sits at the heart of infrastructure decision‑making. Our team specialises in developing high‑quality estimates and cost intelligence across the full project lifecycle from early strategic business case estimates through to detailed delivery phase cost plans and independent assurance. Our work combines industry best practice estimating methodologies, structured benchmarking, digital cost intelligence, and rigorous assurance to provide clients with confidence in their investment decisions.
We offer a wide range of estimating services, including:
- Estimate and cost plan production across all levels of maturity
- Independent estimate assurance and challenge
- Benchmarking and cost intelligence development
- Major programme and estimating framework set‑up
This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialist estimating expertise within a highly regarded and collaborative team. Your day‑to‑day responsibilities may include:
- Leading the production of estimates and cost plans across multiple stages of project maturity, from early business case through to detailed delivery phase estimates
- Taking ownership of estimate structure, methodology, assumptions and presentation
- Taking responsibility for the technical quality and completeness of estimate deliverables
- Supporting the planning and delivery of estimating commissions to meet client and programme requirements
- Leading estimate reviews and providing technical challenge to ensure robustness and completeness
- Developing estimate assumptions, exclusions, risk allowances and Basis of Estimate documentation
- Coordinating inputs from multi‑disciplinary teams, including design, engineering and commercial stakeholders
- Supporting benchmarking and the development and application of cost intelligence
- Analysing and interpreting cost data to identify key cost drivers, risks and opportunities
- Supporting client understanding of estimate outputs, including explaining cost drivers, risks and areas of uncertainty
- Mentoring and supporting the development of junior estimators
- Supporting the continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools and data
Who we’re looking for:
We are interested in candidates with strong infrastructure estimating or cost planning experience. You may have:
- Experience leading the production of estimates and cost plans within infrastructure or construction
- Experience developing estimates across multiple stages of project maturity
- Strong understanding of estimating principles, methodologies and best practice
- Experience applying industry‑standard Methods of Measurement (e.g. NRM, RMM, CESSM, MMHW or similar)
- Experience developing estimate assumptions and Basis of Estimate documentation
- Understanding of estimate risk, uncertainty and contingency development
- Ability to communicate estimate outcomes clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders
- Experience working collaboratively with design teams, engineers and project stakeholders
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members
- Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering or a related discipline, or relevant practical experience
- Professional membership of RICS, ACostE, CICES, CIOB or similar is desirable. Gleeds will support progression to chartership
What we can offer you in return:
- Clear opportunities to develop and grow your career through training and qualifications.
- Fantastic networking opportunities to grow your brand and expand your understanding of the industry.
- Generous holiday allowance plus the option to purchase additional days through the holiday purchase scheme.
- Highly competitive salary and the opportunity to increase this through continuous reviews.
- Employee Assistance Programme to ensure your health and personal well‑being comes first.
- Our global travel scholarship programme gives you the unique opportunity to gain global experience.
- Flexible working arrangements to ensure you have a healthy work‑life balance.
- Volunteering opportunities to engage with your local community or charitable organisations.
- Unparalleled support from central teams and a company recognised as a Great Place to Work.
About us
Gleeds is a global property and construction consultancy with over 150 years of expertise, operating in 28 countries worldwide. From iconic landmarks to critical infrastructure, we drive innovation, sustainability and value, delivering transformative projects that shape communities and redefine the built environment. As a certified Great Place to Work, Gleeds promotes an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We uphold Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) and embrace team diversity. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we provide support, flexibility and accessibility.
Senior Cost Consultant (Senior Estimators & Cost Planners) in City of Westminster employer: Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd
Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd is an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the nuclear and defence sectors. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and flexible working arrangements, the company fosters a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in Birmingham, with opportunities for travel to Derby, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances and ongoing training to enhance their professional growth.
Contact Details:
Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Consultant (Senior Estimators & Cost Planners) in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of a Senior Cost Consultant. Highlight your skills in estimating and cost planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Consultant (Senior Estimators & Cost Planners) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Cost Consultant role. Highlight your experience in infrastructure estimating and cost planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant methodologies you’ve used. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at Gleeds!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about cost consultancy and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, make sure to showcase your understanding of estimating principles and methodologies. Mention any experience you have with industry-standard Methods of Measurement, as this will really catch our eye. We love candidates who can communicate complex ideas clearly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd
✨Know Your Estimating Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on industry-standard Methods of Measurement like NRM or CESSM. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in your previous roles, as this will show your depth of knowledge and experience in cost planning.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face questions that challenge your understanding of estimating principles and risk management. Think about specific projects where you had to develop estimate assumptions or manage uncertainties, and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Gleeds values teamwork, so highlight your experience working with multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've coordinated inputs from design, engineering, and commercial stakeholders to deliver successful estimates.
✨Demonstrate Your Mentoring Experience
If you've mentored junior estimators, share those experiences during the interview. Discuss how you've supported their development and contributed to continuous improvement in estimating processes, as this aligns with Gleeds' commitment to team growth.