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- Tasks: Lead estimating for major rail and highways projects while mentoring a small team.
- Company: Join a top-tier infrastructure contractor with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transportation projects and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior or Principal Estimator in large-scale infrastructure is essential.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive and dynamic 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 + bank holidays (with the option to buy additional days)
- Competitive pension scheme
- Private healthcare and life assurance
- Ongoing investment in professional development
- Hybrid working: 4 days office-based, 1 day remote
- Long-term career opportunity within a growing and well-capitalised infrastructure business
If you're an Estimator or Senior Estimator looking for opportunities for career progression or a Principal Estimator looking to step into a leadership role within a well-established infrastructure contractor, get in touch today.
Principal Estimator employer: Gold Group
Contact Detail:
Gold Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Estimator
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with large-scale infrastructure projects. Share specific examples of how you've led estimating functions and managed teams. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate for the Principal Estimator role.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the company’s recent projects and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their success. Practise common interview questions, especially those related to estimating and team management, so you can answer confidently.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our growing team in the transportation sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Estimator
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 aligns 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 this role. Mention your leadership experience and how you’ve driven best practices in estimating. Let us know what excites you about working with our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements. Did you lead a successful tender? How did you manage your team? Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing those details with us!
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 you’re keen to join our team at 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 estimation techniques and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed budgets. Prepare to explain how you approach creating robust estimates and the tools you use, like Candy software.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, it's crucial to highlight your experience in mentoring and developing Estimators. Think of examples where you've led a team through challenging projects or improved estimating processes. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within your team.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in transportation and logistics, especially in rail and highways. Research the company’s recent projects and their expansion plans. This will not only show your interest but also help you align your answers with their strategic goals during the interview.
✨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. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical details and business needs.
