At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating and assurance commissions for high-profile infrastructure projects.
- Company: Gleeds, a global leader in property and construction consultancy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and professional development support.
- Other info: Opportunities for global experience and community engagement through volunteering.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact on transformative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in infrastructure estimating or cost planning and strong client-facing skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ 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 Executive/Associate Cost Consultant 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 setup
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 complex or high-value estimating and assurance commissions
- Managing delivery to programme, budget, and quality expectations
- Managing estimating resources and ensuring effective delivery of commissions
- Defining estimating approaches and methodologies appropriate to project maturity
- Taking overall responsibility for the robustness, completeness, and reliability of estimating outputs
- Providing independent assurance and challenge to client and contractor estimates
- Leading client engagement and presenting estimate outcomes to senior stakeholders
- Acting as a trusted advisor to clients on estimating strategy, cost risks, and estimate confidence
- Supporting development of estimating standards, tools, and best practice
- Leading benchmarking and cost intelligence initiatives
- Providing technical leadership, development and mentoring to the wider estimating team
- Supporting and advising on strategic business case development and investment decision-making
Who we're looking for:
We are interested in candidates with significant infrastructure estimating or cost planning experience. You may have:
- Proven experience leading estimating or cost planning commissions within infrastructure or construction
- Experience developing and overseeing estimates across multiple stages of project maturity, including business case and detailed delivery estimates
- Strong understanding of estimating principles, methodologies, and best practice
- Strong understanding of estimate risk, uncertainty, and contingency development
- Experience applying industry standard Methods of Measurement (e.g. NRM, RMM, CESSM, MMHW or similar)
- Experience providing estimate assurance, challenge, and technical review
- Strong client-facing experience, including presenting to and advising senior stakeholders
- Experience managing, mentoring, and developing estimating team members
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of infrastructure project delivery
- Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or related discipline, or relevant practical experience
- Professional membership of RICS, ACostE, CICES, CIOB, or similar is desirable. Gleeds will support further professional development where appropriate
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 opportunities employer, we provide support, flexibility and accessibility.
Executive/Associate Cost Consultant (Executive/Associate Estimators & Cost Planners) employer: Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd
Gleeds is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to continuous development, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while contributing to high-profile infrastructure projects across the UK. As a certified Great Place to Work, Gleeds fosters an environment where innovation and diversity are celebrated, making it an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive/Associate Cost Consultant (Executive/Associate Estimators & Cost Planners)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 responses 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 an Executive/Associate Cost Consultant. Highlight your skills in estimating and cost planning, and don’t forget to showcase your client-facing experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Gleeds and are keen to be part of our award-winning team.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive/Associate Cost Consultant (Executive/Associate Estimators & Cost Planners)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive/Associate Cost Consultant role. Highlight your experience in infrastructure estimating and cost planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant methodologies you’ve used!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role at Gleeds and how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in managing estimating commissions. Use numbers and examples to show how you’ve added value in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeds Corporate Services Ltd
✨Know Your Estimating Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on the estimating principles and methodologies relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied industry-standard methods like NRM or CESSM in your previous projects. This shows that you not only understand the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Client Engagement Skills
Since this role involves significant client interaction, think of examples where you've successfully presented estimates or provided strategic advice to senior stakeholders. Highlighting your ability to communicate complex information clearly will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Experience
If you've managed teams or mentored junior estimators, be ready to share specific instances. Discuss how you ensured effective delivery of commissions and supported team development. This will show that you're not just a technical expert but also a capable leader.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in estimating or cost planning and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
