Lead Estimator

Shape the cost certainty of a nationally significant infrastructure programme by leading robust, transparent and auditable estimating from concept through delivery.

Our Client has a requirement for a Lead Estimator, who will be required to work on a contract basis in London.

Role Purpose:

• Lead the estimating function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, transparent and auditable programme estimates.
• Develop, maintain and govern programme estimates, ensuring consistency, traceability and alignment with programme objectives.
• Provide accurate cost forecasting and decision support to senior stakeholders through robust estimating methodologies and analysis.
• Integrate and challenge input from delivery partners to establish a single, coherent programme estimate.
• Support baseline development, change control and assurance activities across a major infrastructure programme.

Job Role Responsibilities:

• Lead the estimating function, setting priorities, standards and accountability for all estimating outputs.
• Own the development, consolidation and maintenance of programme estimates, methodologies, assumptions, exclusions and supporting evidence.
• Act as the primary estimating interface with delivery partners, reviewing and challenging submissions to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Align estimates with scope, schedule, risk, commercial arrangements and delivery assumptions.
• Lead estimating activities associated with baseline development and re-baselining processes.
• Manage estimating inputs into change control processes, ensuring all changes are fully assessed, justified and traceable.
• Direct quantitative uncertainty analysis, including scenario modelling, sensitivity analysis and confidence assessments.
• Apply benchmarking, productivity data, market intelligence and historical cost information to strengthen estimate quality.
• Lead estimate assurance, validation and governance reviews, resolving findings and maintaining a robust audit trail.
• Present estimate positions, risks, opportunities and affordability assessments to senior stakeholders.
• Manage team workload, capability development and performance to ensure timely delivery of quality outputs.
• Drive continuous improvement across estimating processes, systems, tools and reporting frameworks.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications:

• Significant experience leading estimating activities within large-scale infrastructure, engineering or construction programmes.
• Strong knowledge of estimating methodologies, cost planning techniques and programme controls.
• Experience integrating estimates with scope, schedule, risk and commercial information.
• Proven ability to challenge and manage inputs from multiple delivery partners and stakeholders.
• Experience developing and maintaining programme baselines and supporting change control processes.
• Strong understanding of quantitative risk and uncertainty analysis, including P50 and P80 assessments.
• Knowledge of benchmarking, productivity analysis, market intelligence and cost modelling techniques.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to senior leaders.
• Experience leading, developing and mentoring estimating teams.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Controls or a related discipline is desirable.
• Professional membership with a relevant institution would be advantageous.

Company information
At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Lead Estimator looking for new employment.
As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.