At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to estimate costs for high-profile defence projects and support major programmes.
- Company: Turner & Townsend, a leading project management firm in the defence sector.
- Benefits: Flexible working environment, career development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Must be a Sole UK National eligible for MoD Security Clearance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or quantity surveying, with relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
At Turner & Townsend, we’re passionate about making the difference. Every day, we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects in over 110 offices worldwide. Our diverse portfolio of clients provides our team members with unique and rewarding opportunities to gain experience across a broad range of major programmes and projects.
Turner & Townsend are a key Tier 1 supplier of project and programme management services to the Ministry of Defence and strategic Defence suppliers in the UK. We play a crucial role in supporting the defence of the United Kingdom, whilst ensuring our clients achieve better outcomes.
Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a SOLE UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC).
Turner & Townsend’s Defence South East Cost Centre provides support to Defence projects and programmes that range in complexity and size. Our service offering includes programme & project management, controls & performance management, cost management and procurement. We are actively looking to expand the Defence South East team due to client requirements; we’re looking for talented individuals to join us to support the delivery of our growing client portfolio.
Role Overview and Purpose: We are looking for experienced Cost Estimators and Senior Estimators with proven experience across the Infrastructure and/or Defence sectors to play a key role in delivering high-profile projects. As part of our growing team, you will work on complex, large-scale programmes, helping our clients to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives.
Turner & Townsend deliver a wide range of Estimating and Commercial Intelligence outputs for our clients to support their decision making, including:
- Estimate Production (from Order of Magnitude estimates through to detailed estimates built up from first principles)
- Estimating Assurance
- Estimating Support to Major Programme Set up
- Data analysis and benchmarking
Qualifications:
- Qualified to high standard in Estimating or Quantity Surveying with proven relevant experience
- Relevant successful experience of provision of estimating and/or QS services in a large project environment
- Previous experience of working with estimating software packages
- Membership of a relevant professional body with chartered status or working towards
- Desirable membership of RICS / CIOB / A.Cost E.
Essential Experience and Skills:
- Production of accurate and comprehensive estimates and cost plans for projects in a timely and efficient manner
- Control and management of the estimating process at project level
- Production of estimates without management or supervision
- Assist with the gathering and sharing of estimating data
- Supporting development and promotion of estimating good practice
- Assisting in the achievement of departmental objectives
- Staying abreast of developments within own technical area of expertise to be able to give best practice advice in line with business objectives.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience working with UK Government organisations.
- Infrastructure / Construction experience.
- Experience working within the Nuclear Sector.
- Understanding and experience of MoD procedures.
Security Clearance: Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a Sole UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). Many of the clients and projects we support are subject to MoD security clearance and Trade Control restrictions.
Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance and working parents. Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and have active networks who are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
Cost Estimator – Defence - All Levels in Whitehall employer: Turner & Townsend
Turner & Townsend is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within the Energy & Infrastructure sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive career growth opportunities, mentorship programs, and the chance to lead complex projects that make a real impact in the energy and renewables landscape. With a commitment to quality control and best practices, this role provides a rewarding environment for professionals looking to advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Estimator – Defence - All Levels in Whitehall
✨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 Turner & Townsend, 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 Cost Estimator – Defence - All Levels at Turner & Townsend.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Estimator – Defence - All Levels in Whitehall
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 Turner & Townsend
✨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!
