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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: Degree-level education and experience in large-scale infrastructure estimating required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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
- Producing robust, bottom‑up estimates using company processes
- 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
- Degree‑level education (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
- 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
Contact Detail:
Gold Group 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 industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in rail and highways. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Principal Estimator, you’ll need to present estimates and strategies confidently. We suggest doing mock presentations with friends or colleagues to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
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 with large-scale infrastructure projects and any relevant software skills, like Candy. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with 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 our team. Mention your leadership experience and how you’ve driven best practices in estimating. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your estimating prowess. Did you lead a successful tender? Share the results! We love seeing quantifiable successes that show how you can add value to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gold Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in bottom-up pricing. Brush up on your knowledge of cost structures and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed estimates on large-scale infrastructure projects. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to produce robust estimates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a small team of estimators, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've mentored or developed team members. Be prepared to discuss your approach to driving best practices and how you foster a collaborative environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Software
If you have experience with Candy estimating software, make sure to mention it! If not, take some time to learn the basics. Being able to discuss how you would use this tool in your estimating process can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, so practice articulating complex cost, risk, and value concepts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with clients and management in the past, especially during tender settlement meetings.
