Lead Estimator Location: Manchester, Warrington or Derby with Hybrid Working available About Rolls‑Royce SMR At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we’re creating a new generation of clean, affordable nuclear power that will support the UK’s energy security and net‑zero ambitions. We’re building something genuinely different — and we need people who want to shape how major, first‑of‑a‑kind programmes are delivered. We welcome difference, value collaboration and believe the best outcomes come from inclusive teams where everyone can succeed. The Opportunity We need you to step into a pivotal Lead Estimator role within our Project Management Office, supporting some of the most complex and high‑value programmes in the organisation. You’ll lead the development of high‑integrity cost estimates across the full SMR scope, shaping decision‑making at senior level and ensuring estimates are robust, transparent and fit for a regulated nuclear environment. This is a role where your expertise will directly influence programme strategy, investment decisions and long‑term delivery success. What You’ll Be Doing In this role, we need you to: Lead and coordinate the development of detailed, auditable cost estimates across multi‑disciplinary scopes including design, EC&I, civils, structures, architecture and the nuclear island Develop, maintain and assure clear Basis of Estimate (BoE) documentation and Estimate Management Plans (EMP) Integrate cost estimates with schedules and risk (e.g. Primavera P6 and risk registers) to support realistic forecasting and contingency planning Identify, assess and manage cost risk and uncertainty, supporting mitigation and value‑engineering opportunities Engage closely with project managers, engineers, commercial teams and senior stakeholders to align assumptions, data and decisions Present cost insights confidently to senior leaders, influencing programme and investment decisions Drive continuous improvement through benchmarking, historical data and lessons learned Oversee Estimates over £1bn in value What You’ll Bring There’s no such thing as the “perfect” candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of what’s listed below, we’d really encourage you to apply. We’re particularly interested in your experience in: Leading complex cost estimating for major infrastructure programmes, ideally within nuclear, energy, civils or other regulated environments Developing robust BoEs and EMPs for large, multi‑disciplinary scopes Managing risk, contingency and uncertainty using recognised approaches (e.g. Monte Carlo, top‑down/bottom‑up) Working confidently with senior stakeholders and presenting complex financial data clearly Applying governance, assurance and quality processes to cost estimates Using estimating tools and integrating cost data with schedules and digital platforms Qualifications & Experience We’d ideally like you to bring: A degree in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline Significant experience in cost estimating Strong analytical, numerical and problem‑solving skills Professional estimating certifications (e.g. AACE, ICEAA, CaSA) — desirable, not essential Experience working in or alongside regulated or safety‑critical industries Location & Ways of Working This role is offered on a flexible location basis across our offices with hybrid working options. All our roles support flexible, part‑time and adjusted working patterns, where possible. We’re happy to discuss what works best for you and the role. Reward & Benefits We offer a competitive reward package, including: Salary: £60,000 - £78,750 Annual bonus: up to 12.5% Benefits allowance: £2,200 Pension: Competitive Rolls‑Royce SMR pension Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary Income protection: 50% Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays New joiner payment: £250 Inclusion, Accessibility & Wellbeing We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to do their best work. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process or in the role, please let us know — we’ll work with you to support your needs. Why Join Us? You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer: • A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment. • Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business. • A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills. Our Application Process Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are: • Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance • Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check • Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check LI-VS1 LI-Hybrid