Senior Estimator - Contract (6 Months)

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Planner / Estimator (ideally from a main contractor background) for an initial 6-month contract. This role will lead the cost planning function across both 1st and 2nd stage tenders, playing a key part in bid strategy and project conversion.

Key Responsibilities

Bidding & Strategy

Lead the development of cost planning strategies, programmes, and resource requirements Work collaboratively across disciplines (PM, Design, Commercial, Planning, Procurement, Legal, etc.) to ensure aligned input into bids Drive transparent and commercially viable solutions aligned to project and client objectives Ensure cost plans are compliant with brief, authority, and stakeholder requirements

Governance

Manage inputs into internal governance processes and review documentation Ensure all cost plans are reviewed and endorsed prior to key gateways Present cost plans at management and business unit reviews Maintain robust internal processes with appropriate independent checks

Cost Planning

Produce and manage cost plans from early feasibility (RIBA 0/1) through to contract stage (RIBA 4) Undertake quantification, pricing, and benchmarking across all project stages Work with commercial teams to secure and analyse subcontractor pricing Prepare and review preliminaries, incorporating programme, logistics, methodology, and phasing Manage external consultants (e.g. BoQ providers), ensuring quality and programme adherence Negotiate and assess subcontractor proposals

Design & Cost Control

Actively contribute to design development and value engineering processes Ensure a strong "design to cost" approach, challenging solutions to meet budget targets Monitor cost movement through design stages via a running change control process Assess design options, risks, and opportunities, advising project teams accordingly Support teams in managing variations and commercial risk

Risk & Opportunity Management

Identify and drive value engineering and cost optimisation opportunities Assess and manage commercial risks, contingencies, and design impacts Maintain awareness of market conditions and inflation, applying this to cost plans Contribute to safe design and delivery processes, including risk reviews during pre-construction

Key Requirements

Proven experience as a Senior Cost Planner / Estimator within a main contractor environment Strong experience across 1st and 2nd stage tenders Ability to lead cost planning from feasibility through to contract award Excellent understanding of construction methodologies, procurement, and commercial strategy Strong stakeholder management and communication skills Experience managing design development, risk, and value engineering processesThis is an excellent opportunity to play a key role within a high-performing pre-construction team, contributing to the successful delivery of complex projects