Rail Estimator (PMCM Rail) in Manchester

Rail Estimator (PMCM Rail) in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
WSP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to deliver high-quality estimating and cost planning for major rail projects.
  • Company: WSP, a leading engineering firm with a focus on innovation and community impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of rail while collaborating with industry experts and making a real difference.
  • Qualifications: Experience in rail estimating and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A little more about your role… As part of our client‑facing Cost & Commercial Management Team within the PMCM Rail Group, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of high‑quality estimating and cost planning services across some of the UK’s most complex and high‑profile Rail and Rail Systems projects. From early feasibility through to detailed design and delivery, your work will directly influence investment decisions, programme affordability and commercial outcomes across the rail network.

Your primary responsibility will be to develop robust, evidence‑based rail cost estimates as a key member of our collaborative estimating team. You will contribute to estimates on projects covering track, civils, stations, electrification, signalling, telecoms, depots, and wider rail systems. Alongside estimating, you will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience across rail‑specific cost planning, procurement support and cost assurance, working with a wide range of internal and external clients.

This role provides an exceptional opportunity to grow your commercial expertise within the Rail sector, working in a specialist estimating team that spans early‑career professionals to senior industry experts. You’ll benefit from strong development pathways, technical mentoring and long‑term career progression opportunities across WSP.

Our work is inherently collaborative, you will work closely with Network Rail, Train Operators, major contractors, delivery partners, multidisciplinary engineering teams and supply chain stakeholders. You’ll operate flexibly across WSP offices, client offices and site locations to support the successful delivery of nationally and regionally significant rail programmes.

Your Team: You’ll become part of our diverse and growing community of Estimators, Cost Managers, Commercial Managers and related specialists working across the UK. Our Project Management & Commercial Management Team comprises around 500 colleagues, delivering Estimating, Cost and Commercial Management, Project Management and Project Controls services for major public and private sector clients. We are passionate about quality, proud of the value we add to major UK schemes, and continually striving to be the best in our field. We’d love you to help us become even better.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

  • Technical Experience: Rail Estimating experience and familiarity with measurement methods such as Rail Method of Measurement (RMM1), Method of Measurement for Highway Works (MMHW) and the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM4). Demonstrable experience in bottom‑up estimating from first principles. Knowledge and experience of Estimating software (e.g., CostX, CANDY). Experience working within a Rail Systems/Engineering, Commercial Management, or Civil Engineering environment (consultant, contractor, or client organisation). Working knowledge of NEC Contracts or other standard/bespoke contract forms. Experience delivering estimating, cost, or commercial management services in the Rail or wider Infrastructure sectors.
  • Skills & Behaviours: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client‑facing scenarios. Ability to demonstrate developing competencies aligned to relevant professional institutions. A collaborative mindset, able to work effectively within multi-functional teams. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a passion for shaping better outcomes for clients and communities. Relevant educational background, apprenticeship, or equivalent industry experience.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

  • Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
  • Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
  • Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Rail Estimator (PMCM Rail) in Manchester employer: WSP

At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions employee growth and inclusivity. With a strong focus on work-life balance, our hybrid working policy allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration in modern offices across the UK. Join our diverse team to work on landmark rail projects, benefit from comprehensive wellbeing programmes, and enjoy robust career development opportunities in a supportive environment.

WSP

Contact Details:

WSP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Rail Estimator (PMCM Rail) in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the rail industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching WSP and their projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for rail estimating and how you can contribute to their success.

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves client-facing scenarios, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently will set you apart from the competition.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the WSP team.

We think you need these skills to ace Rail Estimator (PMCM Rail) in Manchester

Rail Estimating
Measurement Methods (RMM1, MMHW, CESMM4)
Bottom-up Estimating
Estimating Software (CostX, CANDY)
Rail Systems/Engineering Knowledge
Commercial Management Experience
Civil Engineering Environment Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Rail Estimator role. Highlight your relevant experience in rail estimating and any familiarity with measurement methods like RMM1 or CESMM4. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves client-facing scenarios, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong written and verbal communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can effectively convey ideas and collaborate with teams.

Highlight Your Technical Experience:Don’t forget to mention your experience with estimating software like CostX or CANDY. We’re keen to see how your technical background fits into our collaborative estimating team, so be specific about your past projects and achievements.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at WSP

Know Your Numbers

As a Rail Estimator, it's crucial to be familiar with measurement methods like RMM1 and CESMM4. Brush up on these before your interview, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also practical.

Showcase Your Software Skills

Familiarity with estimating software like CostX or CANDY is a big plus. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with these tools during the interview. If you can, prepare examples of how you’ve used them to improve estimating accuracy or efficiency.

Communicate Clearly

Strong communication skills are key in client-facing roles. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure you can explain complex concepts simply.

Emphasise Collaboration

WSP values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss your experience working in multi-functional teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve project goals, especially in rail or infrastructure settings. This will demonstrate that you’re a team player who can contribute positively to their culture.