At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating activities for major defence infrastructure projects and provide strategic direction.
- Company: Join a leading international consultancy in the defence and infrastructure sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work on complex, multi-billion pound programmes.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on high-profile capital investment programmes.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; experience in major infrastructure projects.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Sector: Major Defence Infrastructure Programme
Location: East Midlands, United Kingdom (Hybrid Working)
Duration: 12 months+
The client is a leading international consultancy and delivery partner specialising in programme management, project controls, commercial management, cost consultancy and construction delivery services. Operating across major infrastructure, defence, transportation, manufacturing, aviation, energy and property sectors, the organisation supports some of the UK's most complex and high-profile capital investment programmes.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced estimating leader to join a nationally significant defence programme supporting the development of a major advanced manufacturing and production facility. Working as part of a senior leadership team, the Associate Estimating Director will provide strategic direction and technical leadership across all estimating activities, supporting project development, business case approvals, Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), target cost development and programme governance.
The successful candidate will lead the estimating function across a complex, multi-billion pound capital investment programme, ensuring the delivery of robust, transparent and commercially sound cost information to support key investment and delivery decisions. This role would suit an individual with significant experience in major infrastructure, defence, nuclear, industrial manufacturing, energy, aerospace or other highly regulated sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all estimating activities across major capital projects and programme workstreams.
- Establish estimating strategies, methodologies, governance frameworks and assurance processes.
- Provide executive-level advice on cost planning, investment decisions and programme affordability.
- Develop and maintain programme-wide estimating standards and best practice.
- Lead estimating support during ECI phases.
- Drive the development of robust and deliverable target costs.
- Challenge contractor proposals, productivity assumptions, rates, quantities and risk allowances.
- Advise on cost implications associated with change management, compensation events and risk allocation.
- Ensure alignment between estimating outputs and programme commercial objectives.
- Lead cost risk and uncertainty assessments.
- Support programme governance reviews, investment approvals and business case development.
- Develop contingency and management reserve strategies.
- Ensure estimates are underpinned by transparent assumptions and robust evidence.
- Act as the senior estimating lead for client and programme stakeholders.
- Present cost strategies, estimates and investment recommendations to executive leadership teams and governance boards.
Essential Experience
- Extensive experience leading estimating functions on major infrastructure, construction, industrial or engineering programmes.
- Proven experience operating at Senior Manager, Associate Director or Director level within a consultancy, client-side or contractor environment.
- Strong experience supporting projects through Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phases.
- Significant experience developing and assuring target costs.
Desirable Experience
- Defence, nuclear, aerospace, manufacturing, rail, utilities or energy sector experience.
- Experience supporting major capital programmes valued in excess of £500m.
- Familiarity with NEC4 ECC Option C and Option D contracts.
- Experience supporting government, MOD or highly regulated programmes.
Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
- Membership of a recognised professional body such as RICS, CIOB, ICES or ACostE.
Security Requirements
- BPSS Clearance required or ability to obtain.
- Active SC Clearance highly desirable.
Associate Estimating Director in Derby employer: People Group Limited
Join a leading international consultancy that champions innovation and excellence in the defence sector, offering a dynamic work environment in the East Midlands with hybrid working options. As an Associate Estimating Director, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises professional growth, collaboration, and strategic leadership, while contributing to high-profile capital investment programmes that shape the future of advanced manufacturing. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering impactful projects, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Estimating Director in Derby
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like People Group Limited.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like People Group Limited appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Estimating Director in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting People Group Limited know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what People Group Limited is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at People Group Limited
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
