At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating activities for major construction projects and develop winning strategies.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a global leader in engineering and construction.
- Benefits: Career growth, professional development, and exposure to innovative projects.
- Other info: Supportive environment promoting knowledge sharing and career progression.
- Why this job: Influence major projects and shape the future of construction with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
At Laing O'Rourke, we are redefining the future of construction through engineering excellence, innovation, and collaborative delivery. You will play a pivotal role in securing major projects that shape communities and critical infrastructure. Working alongside some of the industry's leading professionals, 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. You will play a leading role in shaping winning strategies, developing commercial solutions, and supporting 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 alongside 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 help shape competitive solutions, manage complex tender submissions, and support the successful conversion of opportunities into secured work.
- Leading estimating activities across major, complex and strategically important bids.
- Developing bid strategies, identifying opportunities for innovation, and supporting successful negotiations.
- Managing, mentoring and developing estimating professionals to build capability and future talent.
- Collaborating 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.
- The 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. 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.
Accessibility
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long‑term health 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 prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace. We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email.
Principal Estimator employer: Laing O'Rourke
At Laing O'Rourke, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the construction industry. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and development, allowing you to work alongside some of the most respected professionals while influencing landmark projects that shape communities. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on employee well-being, we offer a unique opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to redefining the future of construction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Laing O'Rourke's recent projects and innovations. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Principal Estimator role. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve influenced successful bids in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Estimator role. Highlight your relevant experience in estimating and tendering, and show how your skills align with Laing O'Rourke's focus on innovation and collaboration.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Estimator, you'll be leading teams and influencing decisions. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience, particularly in mentoring and developing talent within estimating teams.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out, and ensure your communication style reflects the professionalism expected at Laing O'Rourke.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on key estimating principles and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed complex tender submissions. Show them you can influence bid strategy with solid data.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading teams and mentoring future talent, so prepare examples of how you've developed others in your previous roles. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you've influenced stakeholders to achieve high-quality outcomes.
✨Understand Their Vision
Research Laing O'Rourke's recent projects and their innovative delivery methods. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of redefining construction and delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure. This shows you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of specific challenges you've encountered in estimating and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the fast-paced environment they operate in.
