At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and manage estimates for exciting infrastructure projects across transport and energy sectors.
- Company: Join a leading construction consultancy with a collaborative culture and diverse projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary up to £60k, and professional development support.
- Other info: Opportunity for chartership support and exposure to complex projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on flagship UK infrastructure programmes while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years estimating experience in infrastructure; degree in Quantity Surveying or related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
An excellent Estimator job 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 £60k+. This Surrey 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
Estimator employer: Maxim Recruitment
Join a leading construction consultancy in Surrey as an Estimator, where you'll be part of a dynamic Complex Infrastructure team dedicated to delivering high-quality estimating and cost advisory services across diverse projects. Enjoy a flexible working environment, excellent career development opportunities, and the chance to work on complex UK infrastructure portfolios, all while being supported in your professional growth and chartership aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Maxim Recruitment, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Estimator at Maxim Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxim Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
