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, comprehensive health cover, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with strong focus on wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a nationally significant project that connects communities and promotes sustainability.
- 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 Rowhedge 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. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility, professional development, and employee wellbeing, alongside competitive benefits such as enhanced parental leave and comprehensive health cover. Located in Grays, Essex, you will collaborate with a diverse team dedicated to creating sustainable infrastructure that connects communities for generations to come.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cost Estimator in Rowhedge
✨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 methodologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with major infrastructure projects and how you can contribute to the UK's greenest road project.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Highlight examples where you've worked with multi-disciplinary teams. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into our culture and work effectively with over 300 people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cost Estimator in Rowhedge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Cost Estimator role. Highlight your experience with major infrastructure projects and any relevant software skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our green road project!
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 skills can contribute to the UK's greenest road project. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your estimating skills and familiarity with NEC contracts. We’re looking for someone who can bring clarity and confidence to our cost forecasts, so make sure to highlight relevant experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Cost Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost forecasting. Brush up on your knowledge of estimating software like CostX and PRISM, and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects. Show them you can bring clarity and consistency to cost forecasts.
✨Understand the Frameworks
Familiarity with National Highways PCF and IPA Cost Estimating Guidance is crucial. Make sure you can articulate how these frameworks influence your estimating process. Prepare examples of how you've applied these principles in previous roles, especially in major infrastructure projects.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach. Think of instances where you've worked with multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to share how you’ve effectively communicated complex cost information to stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in estimating. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with unexpected changes in project scope or budget. Highlight your ability to provide evidence-based insights that support procurement and delivery planning.
