At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost estimation for major defence infrastructure projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join a top consultancy known for delivering high-profile capital investment programmes.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with potential for career advancement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that shape the future of defence infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating for large-scale construction or engineering projects is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Position: Lead Estimator
Sector: Major Defence Infrastructure Programme
Location: East Midlands, UK – Hybrid
Type: 12 Month + Contract
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.
With a strong reputation for delivering large-scale projects from concept through to completion, the business provides integrated advisory and delivery solutions that help clients manage risk, optimise performance and achieve successful project outcomes. Their teams work collaboratively with public and private sector organisations, offering expertise in programme leadership, commercial strategy, cost management, procurement, planning and project governance.
Role overview: An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Estimator to join a nationally significant defence infrastructure programme. The role will support the planning and delivery of a major manufacturing and production facility project within a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will play a key role during the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase, developing robust cost estimates, supporting target cost development, and providing commercial insight to inform strategic project decisions. Working closely with project teams, designers, commercial managers, and delivery partners, the Estimator will contribute to the successful development of a complex, high-value capital project.
This position is ideally suited to an individual with experience in major infrastructure, nuclear, defence, industrial, energy, or advanced manufacturing projects and a sound understanding of NEC4 contractual frameworks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare detailed cost estimates throughout project development stages, from concept design through to construction delivery.
- Develop order of magnitude, budget, elemental, and detailed estimates using available design information.
- Produce cost plans and estimate build-ups aligned to project requirements and programme objectives.
- Analyse drawings, specifications, schedules, and technical documentation to determine project costs.
- Benchmark costs against industry data and previous projects to validate assumptions.
- Support commercial and project teams during ECI phases to develop realistic and deliverable target costs.
- Engage collaboratively with contractors, consultants, and supply chain partners to refine cost models and delivery strategies.
- Review contractor submissions and challenge assumptions, rates, quantities, productivity factors, and risk allowances.
- Assist in identifying value engineering opportunities and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Contribute to the development of procurement and packaging strategies.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of NEC4 contracts and their impact on estimating and target cost development.
- Support commercial teams in understanding cost implications associated with NEC4 compensation events, risk allocation, and change management processes.
- Ensure estimates align with NEC4 contractual requirements and commercial frameworks.
- Assist in the preparation of cost forecasts and target cost negotiations under NEC4 arrangements.
- Identify cost-related risks and opportunities throughout project development.
- Support risk workshops and quantify risk allowances within estimates.
- Develop contingency recommendations based on project maturity and risk exposure.
- Maintain transparent assumptions, exclusions, and estimate qualifications.
- Work closely with engineering, design, planning, procurement, and commercial teams.
- Present estimate outputs and cost analyses to project stakeholders and senior management.
- Support governance reviews and business case development through the provision of accurate cost information.
- Collaborate with supply chain partners to obtain market intelligence and pricing information.
- Maintain estimating databases, benchmarking information, and historical cost records.
Essential Experience:
- Proven experience in estimating for major construction, infrastructure, engineering, industrial, or manufacturing projects.
- Demonstrable experience supporting projects during Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phases.
- Strong understanding of estimating methodologies and cost planning techniques.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience within defence, nuclear, energy, rail, aerospace, utilities, or highly regulated sectors.
- Experience estimating large-scale manufacturing facilities, industrial plants, or complex engineering projects.
Qualifications:
- Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Commercial Management, or a related discipline.
- Ideally holds a current BPSS Clearance.
- SC Status is highly desired but not essential.
Lead Estimator in Derby employer: People Group Limited
As a leading international consultancy, our company offers an exceptional work environment for the Lead Estimator role, particularly within the dynamic East Midlands region. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and innovation, providing employees with opportunities to engage in high-profile defence infrastructure projects. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering impactful solutions, we ensure that our team members are well-supported and equipped to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Estimator 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 Lead Estimator 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.
