At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare detailed cost estimates for major infrastructure projects and support tendering activities.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leading international engineering and construction company.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, travel support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a commitment to accessible recruitment.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project providing clean energy to millions.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating within construction and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: London or Ipswich (Hybrid working)
Project: Sizewell C – Civil Works Alliance
Reporting to: Lead Estimator
The Opportunity
This is a chance to join one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes – Sizewell C – a once-in-a-generation development set to provide clean energy to over 6 million homes for the next 60 years. Working within the Civil Works Alliance (a partnership between Balfour Beatty, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O'Rourke), you will play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of a complex, high-value infrastructure programme. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of project pricing and estimating strategy, working closely with senior stakeholders and influencing key commercial decisions. The role can be based in London or aligned to the Ipswich project office, with hybrid working in place and flexibility for candidates across the UK. Travel and mobility support is provided where required.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for producing and supporting robust estimates across a range of work packages, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with project requirements.
You Will
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for major infrastructure work packages
- Review drawings and specifications to develop accurate pricing
- Develop estimates from first principles including labour, plant and materials
- Support tendering activities and commercial submissions
- Work closely with planning, procurement and delivery teams
- Identify risks, opportunities and key assumptions within estimates
- Track and manage changes to estimates as project information evolves
- Mentor and support junior members of the estimating team
- Present, justify and negotiate estimates with internal and external stakeholders
What We're Looking For?
- Proven experience in estimating within construction or major infrastructure
- Strong understanding of cost planning and first principles estimating
- Experience working on complex, high-value projects
- Strong analytical and commercial skills
- Ability to engage with stakeholders and present cost positions confidently
- Proficient in Excel and estimating tools
Desirable
- Experience with Candy and/or CostX
- Chartered or working towards (RICS, ICE, CIOB or similar)
About Us
Laing O'Rourke are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia. Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know if you would like to opt in to this scheme and let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview process. We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all.
Senior Estimator employer: Laing O'Rourke group
Laing O'Rourke group offers exciting opportunities to work on significant infrastructure projects, such as the Sizewell C clean energy project, which aims to power over 6 million homes. The company fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging professional growth and innovation through advanced technologies like AI in construction. Employees benefit from hybrid working options and travel support, making it an attractive employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the engineering and construction sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Laing O'Rourke group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Estimator at Laing O'Rourke group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
