Senior Estimator / Cost Engineer (Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor / Bid Manager)
Location: Birmingham (Agile Working)
Salary: 60,000 - 70,000 + Extensive Benefits Package
The Opportunity
We are representing a UK market leader in Geotechnical Engineering and Ground Investigation, recognised for technical authority, commercial rigour, and a strong, people-focused culture.
As part of a planned and sustained growth strategy, the business is strengthening its commercial and bidding capability. This newly enhanced role offers an experienced Senior Estimator / Cost Engineer the opportunity to take a leading position in shaping bid strategy, pricing, and commercial performance across a diverse and technically complex portfolio of ground investigation works.
This is a senior appointment with real influence over which projects are bid, how they are priced, and how commercial risk is managed.
The Role
Reporting into senior commercial leadership, you will provide end-to-end commercial and estimating leadership from early engagement through to project handover. You will operate at the centre of the business, working closely with operations, business development, and senior management.
Key Responsibilities
* Leadership of estimating, cost planning, and commercial management for geotechnical and ground investigation projects
* Ownership of bid governance, ensuring tenders are accurate, competitive, contractually compliant, and aligned with agreed margin and risk targets
* Managing incoming tender enquiries, prioritisation, and client expectations around turnaround times
* Contributing to bid/no-bid decisions, including responsibility for small to medium projects and input into major bid approvals
* Participation in commercial and pricing strategy discussions based on workload, market conditions, and business objectives
* Ensuring effective handover from bid stage to project delivery teams, maintaining commercial continuity
* Acting as a senior commercial point of contact for key clients and tender interviews
Technical & Commercial Capability
* Preparation of detailed cost estimates covering drilling, in-situ testing, laboratory testing, plant, preliminaries, and specialist subcontractors
* Strong working knowledge of NEC3/4 and ICE conditions of contract, including risk allocation and compensation events
* Awareness of CDM Regulations, Health & Safety requirements, and commercial risk mitigation
* Experience using estimating software such as Eque2 Evaluate or similar advantageous
* Ability to interpret or review logic-linked programmes (MS Project, P6 or equivalent) beneficial
Leadership & People Management
* Line management, workload planning, and performance oversight of estimating / commercial team members
* Identification of training and development needs to support team growth and capability
* Willingness to act as an overflow bidding resource during peak workload periods
* A collaborative leadership style, able to influence across disciplines
About You
* Proven experience in geotechnical engineering, ground investigation, or a closely aligned enabling works environment
* Strong background in estimating, cost engineering, quantity surveying, or commercial management
* Confident commercial decision-maker with a track record of driving positive financial outcomes
* Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with clients and internal stakeholders
* Degree-qualified in a relevant technical discipline (quantity surveying, geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, geology, civil engineering) or equivalent demonstrable industry experience
Why Apply?
* Join an industry-leading business with a strong UK reputation and secure forward workload
* Play a key role in shaping the commercial and bidding function during a period of growth
* Genuine, visible career progression beyond traditional estimating roles
* A people-centric employer known for investing in its teams and promoting from within
* An ideal move for professionals feeling constrained, overlooked, or frustrated in less ambitious organisations
If 2025 has been a year of limited progression or influence, this role offers a clear, credible step forward within a business that values expertise, leadership, and long-term thinking. Contact Russell Taylor for a confidential conversation and discussion.
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