At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for major projects and ensure accurate, competitive cost estimates.
- Company: Dynamic company driving growth in utilities and infrastructure sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50k with a comprehensive package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-value projects that shape the future.
- Qualifications: Extensive estimating experience in utilities or construction required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Reports to: Lead Commercial on Major Projects
Location: Manchester
Salary: Up to £50k, with appropriate package for role
Purpose of the Role
The Estimator for Strategic Growth, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Major Projects will be responsible for leading the estimating function across high-value, complex opportunities that are critical to the company’s growth trajectory. Operating within a business with turnover up to £500m+ per annum, this role will ensure all estimates are accurate, competitive, and commercially robust, supporting the successful delivery of bids, acquisitions, and major strategic projects. The role will provide strategic input into Major Projects & opportunities across power, water, gas, renewables, and telecoms. Working closely with the Major Projects Team, the Estimator will contribute to business cases, valuations, and integration planning, ensuring financial and operational feasibility is fully understood.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead the estimating function for all major projects, acquisitions, and strategic growth opportunities through bid into execution.
- Develop estimating strategies that align with the company’s growth ambitions up to £500m+ turnover.
- Estimating & Cost Modelling
- Prepare detailed, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for major projects across all utility sectors.
- Develop financial models and cost breakdowns to support business cases.
- Identify cost risks, opportunities, and synergies in potential projects.
- Bid & Project Support
- Work with commercial and operational teams to ensure estimates support high-quality bid submissions.
- Contribute to pricing strategies for complex frameworks, joint ventures, and strategic projects.
- Provide estimating input during negotiations with clients, partners, and investors.
- Governance & Risk Management
- Ensure all estimates are compliant with company standards, client requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
- Maintain governance, audit trails, and benchmarking information to validate estimating accuracy.
- Provide regular reporting on estimating performance, risks, and pipeline opportunities.
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with divisional leaders, commercial teams, and technical experts to validate assumptions and ensure deliverability.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and partners to secure accurate pricing and market intelligence.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Director of Mergers & Acquisitions and the Executive Team.
Key Skills & Experience
- Extensive estimating experience within utilities, infrastructure, or construction, ideally across multiple sectors (power, water, gas, renewables, telecoms).
- Proven track record of leading estimating functions for high-value bids, acquisitions, or strategic projects.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in cost modelling, valuations, and financial analysis.
- Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
- Proficiency in estimating software, financial modelling tools, and Microsoft Excel/Power BI.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging at Executive and Board levels.
Key Measures of Success
- Delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially robust estimates for major projects.
- Positive feedback from the Group Commercial Director, Group Business Development Director and the rest of the Executive Team on the quality and accuracy of estimates and business cases.
- Improved estimating processes, governance, and benchmarking to support scaling of the business to £500m+ turnover.
- Successful integration of estimating insights into major project strategies.
- Contribution to the company’s reputation as a leading, commercially astute player across the utility sectors.
Estimator employer: IES Utilities Group Ltd.
As an Estimator at our Manchester office, you will join a dynamic team within a company that values innovation and strategic growth in the utilities sector. We offer a competitive salary of up to £50k, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, fostering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. With opportunities to lead high-value projects and contribute to significant business decisions, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organisation while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend having a few examples ready that showcase your estimating experience in utilities or construction. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their major projects!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to our growth ambitions.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight your estimating experience, especially in utilities and infrastructure, and showcase any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with cost modelling and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, be sure to include examples of how you've used these abilities in past roles. We love seeing how you tackle challenges and deliver accurate estimates!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at IES Utilities Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on your cost modelling and financial analysis techniques. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed accurate estimates in previous roles, especially in utilities or construction.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires strategic leadership, so think about how you can align estimating strategies with business growth. Prepare to share insights on how you've contributed to major projects or acquisitions in the past, highlighting your ability to identify cost risks and opportunities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with commercial teams or engaged with executive-level stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you build relationships with suppliers and partners to secure accurate pricing.
✨Demonstrate Compliance and Governance Knowledge
Understanding governance and compliance is crucial for this role. Familiarise yourself with industry standards and regulatory frameworks relevant to estimating. Be ready to explain how you've maintained audit trails and validated estimating accuracy in your previous work.
