At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a national estimating team and manage competitive bids for essential utility services.
- 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.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in maintaining vital utility services across the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven senior estimating experience in utilities or similar fields required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
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.
Head of Estimating employer: Lanes
Sapphire Utility Solutions is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a high-performance culture within its national estimating team. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday and life assurance, and a focus on inclusivity, we provide a rewarding environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the utilities sector across the UK.
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 hunt for a Head of Estimating role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their estimating processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Sapphire Utility Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estimating
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Estimating. Highlight your experience in utilities and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to estimating and bid management.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you've achieved! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate your success in previous estimating roles. We love seeing how you've made a difference in past projects.
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 directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lanes
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Estimating, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in preparing and validating estimates. Brush up on your estimating software and cost planning tools before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you successfully managed bids and how you ensured accuracy in your estimates.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a national estimating team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've mentored team members, fostered high performance, and promoted a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in your previous roles.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the utilities sector and the specific challenges it faces. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to Sapphire Utility Solutions' mission of maintaining essential services. Showing that you understand the market will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Build Relationships
Collaboration is key in this role, so think about how you've built strong relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors in the past. Be ready to share examples of how these relationships have led to successful project outcomes and how you plan to engage stakeholders effectively at Sapphire.
