Lead Estimator

Due to continued growth in our Water sector, we are recruiting for a Lead Estimator to join our United Utilities Capital Delivery Framework.

This is a home-based role with occasional travel to project offices as required.

Costain have won extensive work across the water sector this year to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by United Utilities as one of 7 partners to deliver £3bn of projects in the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) between 2025 - 2030.

The Lead Estimator will join the current Water estimating team and be responsible for reviewing the Project Content Documents (PCD) and proposed scope of works to assist in preparation of innovative solutions and Bottom-up-estimates for the schemes along with a Top-Down review from cost curves and Schedules of rates to assist in negotiation of the proposed Target Price., Lead the estimating function across multiple water projects including management of a multi-discipline estimating team including civil, mechanical and electrical estimating
Responsible for interfacing with the framework design, engineering, and delivery teams to provide estimating support for both projects and tenders
Work with the head of estimating to manage the estimating resources across the division
Be a leader in the bid / project team taking responsibility for the preparation of the estimate
Develop estimates at all stages of project life cycle from feasibility and concept through to detailed design stage
Lead on the development of estimating strategies and present to senior stakeholders both internal and external
Work closely with the bid and/or project team and be responsible for preparation of either the civils, electrical or mechanical estimate for each project
Technical and commercial appraisal of material and subcontractor quotations to ensure full coverage of the scope is priced
Attend site visits during the tender period

Degree level qualified or equivalent in a Civil, Mechanical or Electrical/ICA Engineering related discipline
Preferably Chartered
Significant experience working as an Estimator for a major civils contractor in the water sector
Experienced pricing medium to large value civil engineering projects
Familiar with Civil Engineering Method of Measurement
Customer Focused, Open and Honest, Safe and Environmentally aware
Excellent communication skills and a great team player
Knowledge of CCS 'Candy' Estimating system would be an advantage albeit training will be given.
Full driving licence, We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need for dynamic working. Such as, working part-time, remote working, or compressed hours. In return, we will explore what is possible., For some of our roles, you may be required to obtain and maintain security clearance of at least Security Check level (or SC clearance). To satisfy the requirements, you will need to have been a legal UK resident for a minimum of 5 years and have successfully complete all stages of the vetting process.

At Costain, we help to improve people's lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure that enables people and the planet to thrive.

We work together to shape, create, and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the UK's infrastructure ecosystem across energy, water, transportation and defence markets. Through our collaboration with customers, partners, communities, and wider industry we will deliver an infrastructure fit for a better future.