Lead Estimator & Cost Planning Infrastructure (UK & Europe) in London

Overview

In this role, you shape the cost strategy for UK & Europe’s flagship infrastructure projects, guiding estimates, cost planning, and commercial viability. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, influence design decisions, and drive consistency across project lifecycles. The position offers a clear path to Director, with responsibility for P&L within a defined segment. You’ll work closely with client and internal teams to deliver high-impact cost insights on rail, aviation, highways, and energy programmes.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• benefits
• opportunities for advancement
• structured career progression
• leadership exposure
• dynamic culture

Responsibilities

• Inspire and mentor early-career staff and ensure delivery excellence across outputs
• Lead bid and proposal development, identify cross-selling opportunities, and represent the company in client interfaces
• Progress toward Director through a structured development pathway and take ownership of P&L for a defined segment
• Champion innovation and best practices across the estimating discipline
• Manage estimating and cost planning across full project lifecycles
• Develop and implement estimating strategies ensuring compliance and consistency
• Prepare initial cost plans (pre-concept to detailed design) and refine through design stages
• Apply sector knowledge and market data for robust forecasting
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sector-specific solutions
• Line-manage and mentor high-performing teams locally and nationally

Key requirements

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field (preferred)
• Chartered or working towards RICS or equivalent
• High standard of estimating or quantity surveying experience (consultancy or contractor background)
• Proven experience on major infrastructure programmes (Rail, Aviation, Highways, Energy)
• Operational finance and internal project reporting experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage staff effectively
• Role model for junior staff and advocate for best practices in estimating

• leadership
• mentoring
• communication
• estimating
• cost planning
• cost forecasting

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