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- Tasks: Lead estimating for major rail and highways projects while managing a small team.
- Company: Join a top-tier infrastructure contractor with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transportation projects and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale infrastructure estimating and team management required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Sector: Commercial, Construction
Type: Permanent
Location: Warrington (hybrid working on offer).
Salary: £80,000-£100,000 + £8,000 car/travel allowance
We are working on an exclusive basis with a major Tier 1 infrastructure contractor and supporting them with their search for a Principal Estimator to take on a lead role within their busy and growing Transportation business unit. This is a senior position, reporting directly to the Business Unit Director. The Principal Estimator will be responsible for leading the estimating function across a portfolio of rail and highways projects, while also supporting the business as it expands into new transportation and logistics-related markets.
You will manage a small estimating team (circa 3-4 staff) and play a key role in shaping best practice, driving consistency, and supporting bid strategies on major programmes of work. As Principal Estimator, you will act as the primary estimating lead on large-scale programmes and high-value tenders, whilst working closely with senior stakeholders across pre-construction, commercial and delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities- Leading the estimating function on major transportation schemes across rail, highways and new markets
- Managing, mentoring and developing a team of Estimators
- Preparing Bills of Quantities and enquiry schedules from drawings and specifications
- Reviewing and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations
- Identifying design and tender deliverables and liaising with project designers
- Inputting into risk registers and attending risk review meetings
- Presenting estimates at tender settlement meetings and client reviews
- Supporting tender handovers and ensuring continuity into delivery teams
- Driving best practice in estimating, health & safety, and environmental compliance
- Supporting the development of estimating databases and post-tender cost feedback
- Proven experience as a Senior or Principal level estimator on large-scale infrastructure programmes for a Tier 1 contractor
- Experience managing and developing Estimators
- Strong background in bottom-up pricing across a range of work types
- Ability to clearly communicate cost, risk and value to senior management and clients
- Exposure to rail and/or highways projects (essential)
- Strong working knowledge of Candy estimating software (highly desirable)
- Starting salary of £80,000 - £100,000
- £8,000 car or travel allowance
- 27 days annual leave
Principal Estimator in London employer: Gold Group Limited
Contact Detail:
Gold Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Estimator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and transportation sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work in rail and highways. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their business and ready to contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly communicate your experience and how it aligns with the Principal Estimator role. We suggest rehearsing answers to common interview questions, especially those related to managing teams and driving best practices in estimating.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our network in the construction sector. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Estimator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Estimator role. Highlight your experience in managing estimating teams and working on large-scale infrastructure projects, especially in rail and highways. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your past successes in estimating and how you can contribute to our growing Transportation business unit.
Showcase Your Software Skills: If you've got experience with Candy estimating software, make sure to mention it! We value technical skills that can help us drive best practices in estimating. If you have other relevant software experience, don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gold Group Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in pricing and cost management. Brush up on your bottom-up pricing techniques and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed costs. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to communicate cost, risk, and value effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a small team of Estimators, it's crucial to showcase your leadership experience. Think of instances where you've mentored or developed team members. Be prepared to discuss how you drive best practices and foster a collaborative environment within your team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Software
Having a strong working knowledge of Candy estimating software is highly desirable for this role. If you're not already familiar, take some time to learn the basics or review any past experiences using similar tools. Being able to speak confidently about your software skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be working closely with senior stakeholders across various teams, so it's important to prepare for questions around stakeholder management. Think about how you've previously presented estimates at tender settlement meetings and how you ensured continuity into delivery teams. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
