At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the UK's greenest road project by managing cost estimates and collaborating with a diverse team.
- Company: Join a leading firm committed to sustainable infrastructure and innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, health cover, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with strong career growth and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a nationally significant project that connects communities sustainably.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in major infrastructure estimating roles required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Role Overview: Shape the Cost of the UK’s Greenest Road Project – a nationally significant, pathfinder scheme designed to be the greenest road project ever delivered in the UK.
Your Impact:
- Reviewing and assuring contractors’ bottom‑up cost forecasts, ensuring clarity, consistency and trust.
- Bringing together cost, risk and schedule information into clear, shared client forecasts aligned with Performance Measurement Baseline guidance.
- Offering thoughtful, evidence‑based insight that supports procurement, delivery planning and commercial confidence.
- Managing the estimating function across all project phases in collaboration with delivery partners and a multi‑disciplinary team of more than 300 people.
- Preparing clear Basis of Estimate and Estimate Reports, developing estimating tools, spend profiling and client risk reviews.
What You’ll Need:
- A degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field.
- Chartered status or actively working towards it.
- Demonstrable experience in estimating roles on major infrastructure projects, particularly nationally significant schemes such as HS2, Tideway, Crossrail or National Highways.
- Familiarity with National Highways PCF, IPA Cost Estimating Guidance, DfT TAG and Green Book principles.
- Experience with NEC contracts and public sector governance.
- Strong capability in first‑principles estimating, hybrid cost modelling, and structured Basis of Estimate documentation.
- Proficiency in estimating software such as CostX, PRISM, Excel‑based models and integration with planning and risk tools.
- A collaborative, considerate approach, with strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in how things fit together.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary aligned to your experience and RICS accreditation.
- Flexible working arrangements – hybrid, part‑time, flexible hours and locations.
- 24 days holiday plus the option to buy up to 10 additional days.
- Up to 10% employer pension contributions.
- Comprehensive health cover, including single medical cover and Digital GP (with options to add dependants).
- Family planning support including fertility healthcare.
- Employee Networks supporting colleagues from all backgrounds.
- Enhanced parental leave and free access to support programmes.
- Life assurance at 4× salary.
- Income protection for long‑term security.
- Wellbeing Hub with free access to Calm, Daily Burn and more.
- Professional Development – coverage of professional membership fees and extensive CPD opportunities.
If you’re looking for a role where your voice is heard, your contribution is trusted, and your work supports a greener future, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help deliver infrastructure that connects people and communities for generations to come.
Principal Cost Estimator in Kent employer: Jacobs
Join a forward-thinking company that is at the forefront of delivering the UK's greenest road project, where your expertise as a Principal Cost Estimator will be valued and impactful. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and extensive professional development opportunities, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that prioritises innovation and sustainability. Located in Grays, Essex, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to a nationally significant scheme while enjoying a supportive work culture that champions diversity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cost Estimator in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Cost Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of estimating software and major infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss your experience with NEC contracts and how you've tackled challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Highlight examples where you've worked with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver successful projects. Employers love candidates who can bring people together.
✨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 all about supporting a greener future, so let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cost Estimator in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Cost Estimator role. Highlight your experience in estimating for major infrastructure projects and any familiarity with the specific guidelines mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the green road project and how your background in Quantity Surveying or Civil Engineering makes you a perfect fit for the team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Software Skills:Since proficiency in estimating software is key, be sure to mention your experience with tools like CostX and PRISM. If you’ve integrated these with planning and risk tools, let us know – we love a tech-savvy candidate!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Cost Estimator, you'll need to be on top of your game with numbers. Brush up on your estimating software like CostX and PRISM, and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. Make sure you can explain your approach to first-principles estimating and hybrid cost modelling.
✨Understand the Frameworks
Familiarity with National Highways PCF, IPA Cost Estimating Guidance, and DfT TAG is crucial. Before the interview, review these frameworks and think about how they apply to the role. Be prepared to share examples of how you've navigated these guidelines in previous roles.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working with a multi-disciplinary team, so highlight your interpersonal skills. Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with others on major infrastructure projects. Emphasise your ability to bring together cost, risk, and schedule information effectively.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the project and the company's vision for the UK's greenest road project. Ask about their approach to managing client risk reviews or how they ensure clarity and consistency in contractor forecasts.
