Senior Cost Consultant (Senior Estimators & Cost Planners)
- Location: Multiple Locations (Manchester, London, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol)
- Permanent
- Full-time with flexible working and core hours
We are looking for highly motivated Cost Consultant (Estimators & Cost Planners) with proven experience in the infrastructure sector (Rail, Highways, Aviation, Utilities, Water, Power and general Civils). Our team supports some of the UK’s most complex and high‑profile infrastructure programmes across Rail, Aviation, Water, Utilities, Power, Highways and General civils helping clients develop robust business cases, make informed investment decisions, and safeguard commercial outcomes. Estimating sits at the heart of infrastructure decision‑making. Our team specialises in developing high‑quality estimates and cost intelligence across the full project lifecycle from early strategic business case estimates through to detailed delivery phase cost plans and independent assurance.
Our work combines industry best practice estimating methodologies, structured benchmarking, digital cost intelligence, and rigorous assurance to provide clients with confidence in their investment decisions.
Estimating Services
- Estimate and cost plan production across all levels of maturity
- Independent estimate assurance and challenge
- Benchmarking and cost intelligence development
- Major programme and estimating framework set‑up
Responsibilities
- Leading the production of estimates and cost plans across multiple stages of project maturity, from early business case through to detailed delivery phase estimates
- Taking ownership of estimate structure, methodology, assumptions, and presentation
- Taking responsibility for the technical quality and completeness of estimate deliverables
- Supporting the planning and delivery of estimating commissions to meet client and programme requirements
- Leading estimate reviews and providing technical challenge to ensure robustness and completeness
- Developing estimate assumptions, exclusions, risk allowances, and Basis of Estimate documentation
- Coordinating inputs from multi‑disciplinary teams, including design, engineering, and commercial stakeholders
- Supporting benchmarking and the development and application of cost intelligence
- Analyzing and interpreting cost data to identify key cost drivers, risks, and opportunities
- Supporting client understanding of estimate outputs, including explaining cost drivers, risks, and areas of uncertainty
- Mentoring and supporting the development of junior estimators
- Supporting the continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and data
Qualifications
- Strong infrastructure estimating or cost planning experience
- Experience leading the production of estimates and cost plans within infrastructure or construction
- Experience developing estimates across multiple stages of project maturity
- Strong understanding of estimating principles, methodologies, and best practice
- Experience applying industry standard Methods of Measurement (e.g. NRM, RMM, CESSM, MMHW or similar)
- Experience developing estimate assumptions and Basis of Estimate documentation
- Understanding of estimate risk, uncertainty, and contingency development
- Ability to communicate estimate outcomes clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders
- Experience working collaboratively with design teams, engineers, and project stakeholders
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members
- Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Engineering, or related discipline, or relevant practical experience
- Professional membership of RICS, ACostE, CICES, CIOB, or similar is desirable. Gleeds will support progression to chartership
Benefits
- Clear opportunities to develop and grow your career through training and qualifications
- Fantastic networking opportunities to grow your brand and expand your understanding of the industry
- Generous holiday allowance plus the option to purchase additional days through the holiday purchase scheme
- Highly competitive salary and the opportunity to increase this through continuous reviews
- Employee Assistance Programme to ensure your health and personal well‑being comes first
- Our global travel scholarship programme gives you the unique opportunity to gain global experience
- Flexible working arrangements to ensure you have a healthy work‑life balance
- Volunteering opportunities to engage with your local community or charitable organisations
- Unparalleled support from central teams and a company recognised as a Great Place to Work
As an equal opportunities' employer, we provide support, flexibility and accessibility. For reasonable adjustments, contact our Talent Team at careers@gleeds.com.
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