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 informationAt First Recruitment Group

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