Principal Cost Estimator

Role Overview

Shape the Cost of the UK’s Greenest Road Project – a nationally significant, pathfinder scheme designed to be the greenest road project ever delivered in the UK.

Your Impact

• Reviewing and assuring contractors’ bottom‑up cost forecasts, ensuring clarity, consistency and trust.
• Bringing together cost, risk and schedule information into clear, shared client forecasts aligned with Performance Measurement Baseline guidance.
• Offering thoughtful, evidence‑based insight that supports procurement, delivery planning and commercial confidence.
• Managing the estimating function across all project phases in collaboration with delivery partners and a multi‑disciplinary team of more than 300 people.
• Preparing clear Basis of Estimate and Estimate Reports, developing estimating tools, spend profiling and client risk reviews.

What You’ll Need

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field.
• Chartered status or actively working towards it.
• Demonstrable experience in estimating roles on major infrastructure projects, particularly nationally significant schemes such as HS2, Tideway, Crossrail or National Highways.
• Familiarity with National Highways PCF, IPA Cost Estimating Guidance, DfT TAG and Green Book principles.
• Experience with NEC contracts and public sector governance.
• Strong capability in first‑principles estimating, hybrid cost modelling, and structured Basis of Estimate documentation.
• Proficiency in estimating software such as CostX, PRISM, Excel‑based models and integration with planning and risk tools.
• A collaborative, considerate approach, with strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in how things fit together.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned to your experience and RICS accreditation.
• Flexible working arrangements – hybrid, part‑time, flexible hours and locations.
• 24 days holiday plus the option to buy up to 10 additional days.
• Up to 10% employer pension contributions.
• Comprehensive health cover, including single medical cover and Digital GP (with options to add dependants).
• Family planning support including fertility healthcare.
• Employee Networks supporting colleagues from all backgrounds.
• Enhanced parental leave and free access to support programmes.
• Life assurance at 4× salary.
• Income protection for long‑term security.
• Wellbeing Hub with free access to Calm, Daily Burn and more.
• Professional Development – coverage of professional membership fees and extensive CPD opportunities.

Location & Employment

Grade: Principal Consultant.Location: Grays, Essex | London.Department: Commercial Funding & Finance (Programmes & Advisory).

If you’re looking for a role where your voice is heard, your contribution is trusted, and your work supports a greener future, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help deliver infrastructure that connects people and communities for generations to come.

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