Lead Estimator

Lead Estimator

Location: Aberdeen / Sheffield / Hull – office locations

Salary: Up to £90,000 (DOE)

Full-time | Permanent | 37.5 hours per week

DCS Engineering are currently supporting a growing engineering and technical organisation with the recruitment of a Lead Estimator to oversee the development of accurate, competitive cost estimates across a range of engineering and construction projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimating professional to take a lead role within a group-wide estimating function, driving consistency in processes, improving cost benchmarking and supporting commercial decision-making across projects from initial concept through to execution.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of cost estimates across engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and project management activities.
• Coordinate estimating inputs from engineering, commercial, procurement, construction and supply chain teams.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and scopes of work to establish accurate project costs.
• Evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations and prepare client-facing estimates, proposals and clarifications.
• Develop estimating methodologies, cost models, work breakdown structures and Basis of Estimate documentation.
• Identify cost risks, opportunities and contingency allowances to support robust, risk-adjusted estimates.
• Work with commercial teams to assess expected gross margins, profitability and overall project performance.
• Maintain cost databases, historical project data, productivity benchmarks and estimating norms.
• Validate estimates against previous projects, market trends and industry benchmarks.
• Lead, mentor and develop estimators, ensuring consistent standards and estimating procedures across the business.
• Support project delivery teams with budget development, cost forecasting, variations, change orders and claims.
• Drive continuous improvement across estimating processes, systems and governance.

The Candidate:

• Proven experience in a senior cost estimating role within engineering, construction or a related technical environment.
• Experience leading estimates for large-scale engineering and construction projects.
• Demonstrable experience leading, mentoring and developing an estimating team.
• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Cost Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of cost estimating methodologies, cost modelling, quantity take-offs and benchmarking.
• Experience assessing project risks, contingency allowances and commercial cost exposure.
• Good understanding of tendering, bid management, contracts and commercial project requirements.
• Experience coordinating estimating inputs across multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage with technical teams, commercial stakeholders and senior management.
• Experience developing estimating procedures, cost databases and productivity benchmarks.
• Proactive approach to process improvement, governance and maintaining consistent estimating standards.
• Professional membership or qualifications such as RICS or AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) would be advantageous.

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