Project Details
This Cambridge estimating job offers exposure to complex UK infrastructure portfolios, including transport, rail, highways, local authority works, energy, nuclear, renewables, power, water, defence, and aviation.
Responsibilities and Duties
1. Prepare and own estimates from early feasibility through detailed design using first-principles where appropriate
2. Produce Class 5 to Class 1 estimates and associated basis-of-estimate narratives
3. Complete and review quantity take-offs using recognised methods of measurement
4. Use client benchmarking, in-house and market data to build and validate estimates
5. Assess indirects, preliminaries, and overheads; structure estimates to agreed CBS/WBS formats
6. Contribute to bids and proposals; support work-winning activity as needed
7. Lead/participate in internal peer reviews and quality assurance checks prior to submission
8. Present estimating outputs clearly to internal stakeholders and clients; manage queries and clarifications
9. Support risk and contingency development in collaboration with project controls and QS teams
10. Use estimating software and standard office applications to a competent level
11. Maintain estimating data, norms, and lessons learned for continuous improvement
Desired Skills and Experience
12. 5-10 years of experience as an Estimator within infrastructure (e.g, rail, highways, energy, water) on the consultancy or contractor side is ideal
13. Strong grasp of measurement, take-off, and first-principles build-ups
14. Confidence in stakeholder engagement and excellent client-facing abilities
15. Competence in structuring estimates, indirects, and cost breakdown structures
16. Good understanding of risk, uncertainty, contingency, and how they influence budgets
17. Clear, concise communicator able to work with designers, engineers and project managers
18. Familiarity with common estimating tools/software and benchmarking approaches
19. Stakeholder management skills and the ability to work across multiple live commissions
Qualifications/Educational Requirements
20. Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction or similar (or equivalent experience)
21. Working towards or holding chartership with RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE (desirable)
22. Eligibility for security clearance may be advantageous on some projects
Employing Company Overview and Profile
Maxim Recruitment is supporting a respected construction consultancy with a strong track record delivering estimating and cost advisory services on flagship UK infrastructure programmes.
The business offers a collaborative culture, high-quality professional development, and a diverse portfolio across transport, energy, and wider complex infrastructure.
A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.
Additional Benefits Package and Incentives
23. 37.5-hour work week
24. Flexible working policy
25. Professional development and chartership support
26. Travel expenses covered
27. Strong career progression