At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating activities for exciting infrastructure projects across London.
- Company: Established construction consultancy with a strong portfolio and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to mentor junior team members.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with autonomy and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major infrastructure projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying, chartered status preferred, and strong estimating experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
An established construction consultancy is looking to appoint an Associate-level Estimator to support a growing portfolio of infrastructure projects across London. Off the back of continued success in securing major commissions across rail, aviation and wider transport infrastructure, the team is expanding to meet demand. This role sits at a point where delivery capability and leadership potential start to overlap - ideal for someone who’s comfortable owning outputs but still enjoys being close to the detail. You’ll be joining a team with a strong pipeline of work, where the challenge isn’t winning projects - it’s delivering them consistently, accurately, and without reinventing the wheel each time.
The Role
At Associate level, you’ll take responsibility for leading estimating activities across key projects or workstreams, while supporting the development of junior team members and maintaining strong client relationships. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the preparation of detailed and accurate cost estimates aligned to project scope, programme and risk profile
- Owning the production and sign-off of estimate reports for client review and governance processes
- Establishing and maintaining consistent estimating approaches, tools and benchmarks across projects
- Reviewing and validating contractor and supplier estimates, challenging assumptions where required
- Supporting project teams during delivery, including cost validation, change control and forecast assurance
- Contributing to budget setting, investment cases and cost reconciliation activities
- Acting as a key client interface for estimating matters, including presenting outputs and advising on cost strategy
- Mentoring and supporting junior estimators, helping to improve capability and consistency across the team
What They’re Looking For
This role is suited to someone who has moved beyond pure delivery and is now operating with a degree of autonomy, while still being hands‑on. Key requirements:
- Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
- Chartered status (MRICS or equivalent), or very close to achieving it
- Strong experience delivering estimating services within infrastructure sectors (rail, aviation, highways or utilities)
- Proven ability to lead estimating workstreams or small teams on complex projects
- Solid pre-contract experience, with a good understanding of commercial strategy and procurement approaches
- Strong working knowledge of project controls, planning, risk and investment processes
- Experience applying cost planning techniques through design development
- Proficiency with unit cost modelling and relevant estimating tools
- Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with clients and senior stakeholders
You’ll likely be someone who can challenge constructively, spot inconsistencies quickly, and bring a level of commercial judgement that goes beyond simply “producing the numbers”.
The Environment
The business operates across multiple international markets, delivering cost and commercial advice on major infrastructure and built environment programmes. The culture is collaborative but expects a level of self-sufficiency at Associate grade. You’ll be trusted to manage your own workload, support others where needed, and engage directly with clients - without too much hand‑holding.
Senior Estimator employer: Pegasus Search and Selection
Join an established construction consultancy that values collaboration and self-sufficiency, offering a dynamic work environment in London. As a Senior Estimator, you'll have the opportunity to lead key projects while mentoring junior team members, all within a strong pipeline of infrastructure work. With a focus on professional growth and a culture that encourages autonomy, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
Contact Details:
Pegasus Search and Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 Pegasus Search and Selection, 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 Senior Estimator at Pegasus Search and Selection.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior 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 Pegasus Search and Selection
✨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!
