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- Tasks: Lead a team of estimators to deliver accurate bids for essential utility projects.
- Company: Join Sapphire Utility Solutions, a leading partner in the UK's utility sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, life assurance, and a company car.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior estimating roles within utilities and proficiency in estimating software.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 £ per year.
Join the Team That Keeps the Nation Flowing! Established in 2013, Sapphire Utility Solutions has quickly become the partner of choice for many clients across the UK in our chosen markets. As a Lanes Group company, we provide award-winning services to the clean water, wastewater, gas, multi-utilities, and highways sector. We are passionate about working alongside our clients and partners to maintain the utility services essential to modern life throughout the UK.
As Head of Estimating, you will play a strategic leadership role overseeing and developing a team of technical estimators. You will be responsible for the delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially viable bids and cost plans for a wide variety of projects predominantly within the Waste and Clean Water industry, delivering high-value Term Service Contracts for a variety of blue-chip clients within the Regulated Water sector.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead and manage a national estimating team fostering high performance. Provide mentorship, training, and performance management to drive success. Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Estimating & Bid Management: Oversee preparation, validation, and submission of accurate estimates and competitive bids. Review tender documentation for completeness and risk. Independently verify pricing and identify improvement opportunities.
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with procurement to secure competitive quotes and identify cost-saving opportunities. Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors. Contribute to contract negotiations and mitigate commercial risks.
- Process & System Improvement: Drive enhancements in estimating tools, templates, and cost libraries. Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety regulations, and management systems.
- Post-Bid & Supply Chain Development: Participate in project reviews, handovers, and lessons-learned sessions. Lead supplier feedback processes and strengthen supply-chain reliability.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in a senior estimating role within Utilities or a similar environment.
- Strong understanding of asset lifecycle, condition reporting, and technical surveying.
- Track record of delivering multidisciplinary infrastructure tenders from conception to completion.
- Proficiency in estimating software, cost planning tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience working with national frameworks and large-scale projects.
What You’ll Get in Return:
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
- Life assurance and death-in-service benefits
- Company car
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Strictly no agencies please.
Monthly Salary: 75000 - 90000
Head of Estimating employer: Lanes Group
Contact Detail:
Lanes Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estimating
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the utilities sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Knowing about Sapphire Utility Solutions and their work in the clean water and wastewater sectors will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Head of Estimating role. Highlight your leadership skills and your knack for delivering competitive bids – this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estimating
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Head of Estimating role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on in the utilities sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team at Sapphire Utility Solutions.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams or delivered competitive bids in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lanes Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Estimating, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in delivering accurate bids. Brush up on your estimating software and cost planning tools before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you successfully managed costs and delivered competitive bids.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a national estimating team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've mentored team members, fostered high performance, and promoted a culture of accuracy and accountability in your previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Collaboration is key in this position. Think of instances where you've built strong relationships with clients, consultants, or subcontractors. Highlight your experience in contract negotiations and how you've mitigated commercial risks in past projects.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The job requires driving enhancements in estimating processes and tools. Come prepared with ideas on how you’ve improved systems in the past. Discuss any initiatives you've led that resulted in better accuracy or efficiency in estimating and bidding.
