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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for major infrastructure and energy projects, from concept to pricing.
- Company: Join a leading international consultancy with a focus on high-profile projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while collaborating in a dynamic, high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost estimation, especially with CostX or Candy software, is essential.
- Other info: This role offers exposure to large-scale projects across the UK and Europe.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 85000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Senior Cost Estimator – Infrastructure & Construction
Location: London / Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 + package (dependent on experience)
A leading international consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Estimator to join their growing UK team. This is a client-facing role that will involve working on high-profile, large-scale infrastructure and energy projects across the UK and potentially Europe.
You will play a key role in the successful delivery of pre-construction services, supporting major capital programmes across the data centre, energy, and industrial sectors. The ideal candidate will have worked on complex infrastructure schemes and must have hands-on experience with CostX or Candy software to produce detailed, accurate estimates from first principles.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and deliver the full estimating process across multiple infrastructure and energy projects, from early-stage concept to detailed pricing.
- Prepare and review cost estimates from first principles using CostX or Candy software.
- Manage and coordinate benchmark data, quantity take-offs, cost breakdown structures, and risk allowances.
- Support tender and bid processes, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and commercial robustness.
- Provide strategic advice to clients, project teams, and internal stakeholders on cost planning, value engineering, and procurement strategies.
- Produce cost reports, cash flows, and variance analysis to support project teams and commercial leadership.
- Build strong client relationships and represent the company in a professional and credible manner.
Requirements:
- Significant experience as a Cost Estimator or Pre-Construction Commercial Lead, ideally on large-scale infrastructure or industrial projects.
- Strong working knowledge of CostX or Candy estimating software — must be comfortable with detailed take-offs and first-principles pricing.
- Proven background in producing robust, defensible estimates across multiple work packages (civils, MEP, structural, etc.).
- Ability to liaise directly with clients, understand project drivers, and provide commercial advice throughout pre-construction stages.
- Excellent analytical skills and commercial awareness.
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
- Experience working within a consultancy or contractor-side pre-construction team is desirable.
What’s on Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible hybrid working (London HQ)
- Opportunity to work on world-class infrastructure and energy projects
- Career development within a fast-growing consultancy with international presence
- Collaborative, high-performing commercial team environment
Cost Estimator employer: Keyman Personnel
Contact Detail:
Keyman Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the infrastructure and construction sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or clients who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in cost estimation, particularly focusing on CostX and Candy software. Consider online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the company's recent projects and their impact on the infrastructure sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice articulating your experience with complex infrastructure schemes and your approach to cost estimation. Use specific examples to showcase your analytical skills and ability to provide strategic advice to clients during pre-construction stages.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Cost Estimator, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects. Emphasise your hands-on experience with CostX or Candy software and any specific achievements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Showcase your understanding of the estimating process and how your skills align with the needs of the consultancy.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your analytical skills, commercial awareness, and ability to liaise with clients. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed cost estimates and supported tender processes in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in cost estimation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keyman Personnel
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Make sure to highlight your experience with CostX or Candy software during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you used these tools to produce detailed estimates, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Experience
Prepare examples of large-scale infrastructure or energy projects you've worked on. Discuss your role in the estimating process and how you contributed to the successful delivery of these projects.
✨Understand Client Needs
Since this is a client-facing role, be ready to talk about how you build and maintain strong client relationships. Share instances where you provided strategic advice or commercial insights that positively impacted a project.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to cost estimation, risk allowances, and value engineering. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to explain your thought process when preparing cost estimates from first principles.
