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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic estimating team and oversee competitive 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 in the utilities industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior estimating roles and proficiency in estimating software required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 the 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
We believe in looking after our people. Here’s what you can expect: 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.
Head of Estimating in Leyland employer: Lanes Group
Contact Detail:
Lanes Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estimating in Leyland
✨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. Sometimes, it's all about who you know, so don't be shy about asking for introductions or advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work in the clean water and wastewater sectors. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Estimating. Highlight your leadership skills and your ability to deliver accurate bids and cost plans – this is what will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Sapphire Utility Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estimating in Leyland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Estimating role. Highlight your experience in utilities and estimating, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can lead a team and deliver competitive bids!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, be sure to include quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a project that saved costs or improved efficiency? We want to know about it! Numbers speak volumes and help us see your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lanes Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As Head of Estimating, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost planning and estimating. Brush up on key metrics and figures relevant to the Waste and Clean Water industry. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed bids and estimates in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a national estimating team, so highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've mentored team members or improved team performance. Discuss your approach to fostering a culture of accuracy and accountability.
✨Understand the Tender Process
Familiarise yourself with the tender documentation and the bidding process. Be ready to talk about how you review and validate estimates, and how you identify risks and opportunities for improvement. This shows you're proactive and detail-oriented.
✨Build Relationships
Collaboration is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've built strong relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors in the past. Highlight any successful negotiations you've led and how you've contributed to contract discussions.
