Senior Estimator in Derby

Location: Manchester, Derby or Warrington with Hybrid Working

About Rolls‑Royce SMR

Rolls‑Royce SMR is building a new generation of nuclear power solutions to support the UK’s transition to cleaner, more secure energy. Our Small Modular Reactor programme combines world‑class engineering with digital innovation to deliver affordable, low‑carbon power at pace. We are growing fast and creating opportunities for people who want to work on projects that genuinely matter — technically, commercially and socially.

Why this role exists

We need you to strengthen our estimating capability as we develop and deliver one of the most complex infrastructure programmes in the UK. As a Senior Estimator, you will play a critical role in producing high‑integrity cost estimates that inform strategic decisions, support investment confidence and enable safe, compliant delivery across the SMR programme.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop detailed, auditable cost estimates across complex scopes, including nuclear island, civils, structures, EC&I, conventional island systems and heavy components
• Analyse drawings, specifications and scope definitions to determine cost drivers and discipline‑specific requirements
• Produce and maintain robust Basis of Estimate (BoE) documentation aligned to Estimate Management Plans (EMPs)
• Collaborate closely with engineering, project management, supply chain and commercial teams to identify value‑engineering opportunities
• Integrate cost estimates with schedules (e.g. Primavera P6) and risk registers to support realistic forecasting and contingency planning
• Present cost intelligence, assumptions and risks clearly to senior stakeholders and governance forums
• Use estimating tools, databases and market intelligence to continuously improve estimate maturity and data quality

What we’re looking for

There’s no such thing as the “perfect” candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of what’s below, we’d really like to hear from you. We’re particularly keen to hear from people who bring:

• Proven experience delivering complex cost estimates within nuclear, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing or other highly regulated environments
• Strong knowledge of estimating best practice, BoE development and estimate assurance
• Experience working with cost classification systems (e.g. AACE) and estimate maturity models
• An understanding of cost risk, uncertainty and contingency approaches
• Confidence engaging and influencing senior stakeholders using clear, evidence‑based insights
• Strong digital capability, including estimating tools and schedule integration (e.g. Primavera P6)

Qualifications & experience

We need you to bring:

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline
• Significant experience in cost estimation (typically 5+ years)
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem‑solving skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

It’s great if you also have (but not essential):

• Professional estimating or cost engineering certification (e.g. AACE, ICEAA, CaSA)
• Experience working within nuclear or similarly regulated environments

Reward & benefits

We offer a competitive and transparent reward package:

• Salary: £50,650 - £66,500
• Bonus: 12.5% annual bonus opportunity
• Benefits allowance: £2,200
• Pension: Company pension scheme
• Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary
• Income protection: 50%
• Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays
• New joiner payment: £250
• Working pattern: 37.5 hours per week with flexible and part‑time working options available

Flexible & inclusive working

All our roles are designed with flexibility in mind. We support hybrid working, flexible hours and part‑time arrangements wherever possible, agreed in partnership with your manager. We know great people work best when work fits around life — not the other way around.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and identities. Reasonable adjustments will be made in line with the Equality Act 2010 throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you need any adjustments, just let us know — we’re here to support you.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check