At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex cost estimates for major infrastructure projects and provide expert guidance.
- Company: Join National Gas, a key player in Britain's energy security and clean energy future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, annual bonus, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical projects that keep Britain running and secure its energy future.
- Qualifications: Extensive estimating experience and strong technical expertise in construction or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 55744 - 67000 £ per year.
Salary: £55,744 to £67,000 + up to 6% bonus
Location: Can be based from one of our regional offices; Warwick (Central), Peterborough (East), Bristol (West), or Livingston (Scotland and North). This is a national role covering projects across Scotland and the North region, with occasional travel to Warwick and other project locations as required.
About us
At National Gas, the work we do matters. As Britain's national gas network, we help keep the lights on, businesses running, and homes warm by maintaining the critical infrastructure that transports gas across Great Britain. While providing the energy security Britain relies on today, we're also helping transform the network for a clean energy future. Join us and help secure Britain's energy.
About the role
We're seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to provide expert estimating capability across major construction and engineering projects within our Scotland and North region. Operating with minimal supervision, you'll lead the development of complex cost estimates, provide technical expertise to project teams, and influence key investment decisions from concept through to delivery. This role is critical to ensuring our investment programmes are underpinned by accurate, robust and commercially sound cost estimates.
What you'll be doing
- Lead the preparation and assurance of complex cost estimates for major infrastructure, construction and engineering projects
- Provide expert estimating advice and technical guidance to project teams and senior stakeholders
- Develop robust estimating methodologies, assumptions, risk allowances and cost models
- Challenge project scope, delivery strategies and commercial assumptions to improve estimate quality and accuracy
- Drive estimating best practice, standards and continuous improvement across the project portfolio
- Lead tender evaluation and benchmarking activities to ensure value for money and market competitiveness
- Support investment decision-making through high-quality cost forecasting, reporting and analysis
- Mentor colleagues and promote estimating excellence across the wider team
What you'll bring
Essential
- Extensive experience leading complex cost estimates within major infrastructure, engineering, utilities or construction environments
- Demonstrable ability to deliver high-quality estimates independently with minimal supervision
- Strong technical expertise across estimating, cost planning, budgeting, forecasting and risk analysis
- Proven experience influencing senior stakeholders and providing commercial challenge on major projects
- Experience developing estimating methodologies, standards and best practice frameworks
- Strong understanding of contract management, procurement processes and project delivery principles
- Professional estimating qualification such as AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or equivalent
Desirable
- PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or equivalent project management qualification
- RICS Certificate in Construction Project Management
- Degree qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
- Experience within utilities, energy or major infrastructure environments
What we offer
- Market-leading double-match pension (up to 12% company contribution)
- Annual performance bonus up to 6%
- Access to the Tusker salary sacrifice car scheme
- 26 days holiday (plus statutory holidays)
- 10x salary life assurance and income protection
- Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and technology options
- Family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities
Inclusive recruitment
We're building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, championing diversity, and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and beyond. National Gas is a Disability Confident employer and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Lead Estimator in Bristol employer: National Gas
At National Gas, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a market-leading pension scheme and generous holiday allowance. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our professional development opportunities and inclusive work culture, where diversity is championed and every team member's contribution is valued. Located in St Fergus, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and compliance of Britain's energy infrastructure while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Estimator in Bristol
✨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 National Gas, 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 Lead Estimator at National Gas.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Estimator in Bristol
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 National Gas
✨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!
