Principal Cost Consultant in Guildford, Surrey

Principal Cost Consultant in Guildford, Surrey

Guildford +1 Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
K

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major project cost estimates in energy and chemicals sectors.
  • Company: Join KBR, a global leader in engineering and technology solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional growth, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: Be part of innovative projects that make a real-world impact.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of energy while influencing key investment decisions.
  • Qualifications: Extensive estimating experience and proficiency with estimating software.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

KBR is a global provider of differentiated, professional services and technologies delivered across a wide government, defense and industrial base. Drawing from its rich 100-year history and culture of innovation and mission focus, KBR creates sustainable value by combining engineering, technical and scientific expertise with its full life cycle capabilities to help our clients meet their most pressing challenges today and into the future.

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in over 29 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results.

This role sits within STS in the Integrated Solutions business unit. Integrated Solutions is the engineering and project delivery group providing services which include front-end and detailed engineering, procurement, construction services, and program management primarily in the hydrocarbons and energy transition industries.

We are looking for an experienced Principal Estimator to join our team and play a leading role in the delivery of major projects across the energy, chemicals, and energy transition sectors. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled estimator with extensive experience in onshore and offshore projects, capable of developing and leading the preparation of capital cost estimates across the full project lifecycle, from early studies through to EPC execution.

Working closely with project teams, clients, and senior leadership, you will be responsible for delivering robust, auditable, and accurate estimates that support critical business and investment decisions.

  • Define estimating scope, methodologies, work plans, and deliverables for assigned projects.
  • Develop estimates that are accurate, fully auditable, risk-assessed, and aligned with approved procedures.
  • Equipment and material pricing
  • Material quantities
  • Construction methodologies
  • Professional services requirements
  • Escalation and contingency allowances
  • Estimate exclusions
  • Develop comprehensive cost estimates aligned to project Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS).
  • Source and develop labour rates and productivity factors for global projects.
  • Conduct benchmarking, cost analysis, and estimate validation activities.
  • Contribute to project cost risk assessments and uncertainty analyses.
  • Lead, mentor, and supervise assigned estimators on project activities.
  • Report to Project Managers on project assignments and to the Estimating Director on departmental matters.

What We're Looking For

  • Significant estimating experience within the energy, chemicals, offshore, onshore, and energy transition sectors.
  • Experience presenting estimates and cost strategies to clients, project teams, and senior management.
  • Ability to evaluate project risks, uncertainties, and contingencies.
  • Proficiency with estimating software, including ACCE.

You'll be joining a team that delivers some of the industry's most challenging and innovative projects. Working across traditional energy and emerging energy transition markets, you'll have the opportunity to influence major investment decisions while helping shape the future of the sector. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions throughout their entire lifecycle, from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance.

In addition to competitive benefits and professional development, our people are empowered to use all their potential, creating meaningful change for themselves and our clients. As the needs of the world change, we're ready to respond and guide the way forward with strategic, sustainable, and technological advancements grounded in more than a century of practical application and execution.

Summary

Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
Type: Full time

Locations

GuildfordSurrey

Principal Cost Consultant in Guildford, Surrey employer: KBR

KBR is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while driving commercial success. With a hybrid working model, employees enjoy flexibility and a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, particularly in the vibrant London/South East region. The company prioritises employee well-being and offers competitive benefits, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding careers in contract management and strategy.

K

Contact Details:

KBR Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Cost Consultant in Guildford, Surrey

✨Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Principal Cost Consultant role you’re after at KBR.

✨Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at KBR a taste of what you can bring to the table!

✨Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at KBR.

✨Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Principal Cost Consultant at KBR, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cost Consultant in Guildford, Surrey

Estimating Experience
Capital Cost Estimation
Project Lifecycle Management
Cost Analysis
Risk Assessment
Estimating Software Proficiency (ACCE)
Benchmarking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Cost Consultant, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at KBR a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to KBR specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at KBR

✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with KBR, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

✨Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like KBR want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

✨Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.