Principal Estimator
At Laing O'Rourke, we are redefining the future of construction through engineering excellence, innovation, and collaborative delivery. As a Principal Estimator, you will play a pivotal role in securing major projects that shape communities and critical infrastructure. You will influence strategic decisions, develop winning solutions, and help drive the continued growth of one of the world's most respected engineering enterprises.
The Opportunity
Our estimating teams are at the heart of securing some of the most complex and rewarding projects across the UK and beyond. As a Principal Estimator, you will shape winning strategies, develop commercial solutions, and support the delivery of landmark infrastructure and construction projects. This is an opportunity to influence major business decisions from the earliest stages of project development, working with industry-leading professionals across engineering, commercial, procurement, planning, and delivery functions. You will also help develop future estimating talent while driving innovation and continuous improvement across the work‑winning process.
What You Will Be Doing
You will be a trusted expert within the business, providing strategic estimating leadership across major bids and opportunities. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will shape competitive solutions, manage complex tender submissions, and support the successful conversion of opportunities into secured work.
- Lead estimating activities across major, complex and strategically important bids.
- Develop bid strategies, identify opportunities for innovation, and support successful negotiations.
- Manage, mentor, and develop estimating professionals to build capability and future talent.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver commercially robust and competitive solutions.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for an experienced estimating leader who combines technical expertise with strong commercial awareness and a collaborative approach. You will be confident influencing stakeholders, leading teams, and delivering high‑quality outcomes in a fast‑paced environment.
- Significant experience leading complex estimating and tendering activities within construction, infrastructure, engineering or related sectors.
- Proven ability to influence bid strategy and develop winning commercial solutions.
- Experience leading, coaching and developing teams within a project or work‑winning environment.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and problem‑solving skills, supported by relevant professional qualifications or industry accreditation.
What You Can Expect
Joining Laing O'Rourke means becoming part of an internationally recognised engineering enterprise that is redefining how the built environment is designed, delivered and operated. You will have the opportunity to work on industry‑leading projects while continuing to develop your own career and leadership capability.
- Opportunity to influence major projects and contribute to the long‑term growth of the business.
- Exposure to innovative delivery methods, digital engineering and modern construction techniques.
- A supportive environment that encourages professional development, knowledge sharing and career progression.
- The chance to work alongside some of the industry's most experienced and respected professionals.
About Us
We 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. With 150 years of experience, we harness the power of our expertise to deliver certainty for our clients.
Recruitment Process
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long‑term health conditions and disabilities through an offer an interview scheme. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required. We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke.com.
