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- Tasks: Prepare and manage estimates for complex infrastructure projects across various sectors.
- Company: Leading construction consultancy with a strong track record in infrastructure.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary up to £70k, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact on flagship UK infrastructure programmes.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years estimating experience in infrastructure and relevant degree or equivalent.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and chartership support.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity with a leading construction consultancy, working within a Complex Infrastructure team delivering estimating and cost advisory services across transport, energy, and wider infrastructure projects. You will prepare robust Class 5 to Class 1 estimates, support bids and proposals, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams while enjoying flexible working and great career development. Willingness to travel 2-3 working days per week/fortnight. Salary up to £70k+. This Cambridge estimating job offers exposure to complex UK infrastructure portfolios, including transport, rail, highways, local authority works, energy, nuclear, renewables, power, water, defence, and aviation.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Prepare and own estimates from early feasibility through detailed design using first-principles where appropriate.
- Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates and associated basis-of-estimate narratives.
- Complete and review quantity take-offs using recognised methods of measurement.
- Use client benchmarking, in-house and market data to build and validate estimates.
- Assess indirects, preliminaries, and overheads; structure estimates to agreed CBS/WBS formats.
- Contribute to bids and proposals; support work-winning activity as needed.
- Lead/participate in internal peer reviews and quality assurance checks prior to submission.
- Present estimating outputs clearly to internal stakeholders and clients; manage queries and clarifications.
- Support risk and contingency development in collaboration with project controls and QS teams.
- Use estimating software and standard office applications to a competent level.
- Maintain estimating data, norms, and lessons learned for continuous improvement.
Desired Skills and Experience
- 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator within infrastructure (e.g., rail, highways, energy, water) on the consultancy or contractor side is ideal.
- Strong grasp of measurement, take-off, and first-principles build-ups.
- Confidence in stakeholder engagement and excellent client-facing abilities.
- Competence in structuring estimates, indirects, and cost breakdown structures.
- Good understanding of risk, uncertainty, contingency, and how they influence budgets.
- Clear, concise communicator able to work with designers, engineers, and project managers.
- Familiarity with common estimating tools/software and benchmarking approaches.
- Stakeholder management skills and the ability to work across multiple live commissions.
Qualifications/Educational Requirements
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction or similar (or equivalent experience).
- Working towards or holding chartership with RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE (desirable).
- Eligibility for security clearance may be advantageous on some projects.
Employing Company Overview and Profile
Maxim Recruitment is supporting a respected construction consultancy with a strong track record delivering estimating and cost advisory services on flagship UK infrastructure programmes. The business offers a collaborative culture, high-quality professional development, and a diverse portfolio across transport, energy, and wider complex infrastructure. A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.
Additional Benefits Package and Incentives
- Professional development and chartership support.
Senior Estimator in Cambourne employer: Maxim Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Maxim Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Cambourne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction industry, especially those who work in estimating or related fields. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best estimating projects, including Class 5 to Class 1 estimates you've worked on. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your estimating process and how you tackle challenges in front of stakeholders. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions related to risk management and cost breakdown structures.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities for Senior Estimators like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a leading consultancy and work on exciting infrastructure projects across the UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Cambourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your experience in infrastructure projects and any relevant estimating software you’ve used. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your willingness to travel, as that’s a key part of the job.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you save costs on a project? Did you lead a successful bid? We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate 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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxim Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you’ll need to be on top of your game with numbers. Brush up on your estimating techniques and be ready to discuss how you prepare Class 5 to Class 1 estimates. Familiarise yourself with the latest industry benchmarks and be prepared to explain your methodology during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
With 5-10 years of experience in infrastructure estimation, make sure to highlight specific projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss your role in those projects, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with clients and project teams in the past. Think about times when you had to manage queries or clarifications and how you ensured everyone was on the same page.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to risk assessment, cost breakdown structures, and estimating software. Brush up on these topics and be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied them in real-world scenarios. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also apply it effectively.
