Role: Lead Estimator
Project: Various
Location: Leatherhead – Ideally 4 days in the office, 1 remotely.
Rate: £65p/hr Ltd.
Start: ASAP
Duration: 9 Months
Description of duties
The Lead Estimator will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering high-quality cost estimates across a portfolio of projects from early concept through to detailed design. The role requires close collaboration with engineering, procurement, project controls, and management teams to ensure that all estimates are robust, transparent, and aligned with project objectives.
Key duties include:
Producing Complete Estimates:
* Prepare comprehensive cost estimates covering all project phases, materials, labour, equipment, subcontractor inputs, and indirect costs. Ensure all assumptions, methodologies, and data sources are clearly defined and documented.
Ensuring Full Auditability:
* Structure estimates so that every cost item can be traced back to supporting data, benchmarks, historical records, or supplier quotations. Maintain detailed backup files to allow for internal and external review, verification, and audit.
Assessing Accuracy, Uncertainty, Risk, and Contingency:
* Conduct rigorous estimate risk reviews, including sensitivity analysis and identification of cost drivers, potential variances, and exposure areas. Apply appropriate contingency levels supported by quantitative or qualitative risk assessments.
Working in Accordance with Authorised Estimate Plans:
* Follow corporate estimating procedures, governance frameworks, and approved estimate execution plans. Ensure deliverables meet required standards, milestones, and stage-gate expectations.
Stakeholder Coordination and Communication:
* Interface with multidisciplinary teams to gather technical inputs, clarify scope definitions, validate quantities, and incorporate design changes. Communicate estimate results clearly to project management and leadership through presentations, reports, and review sessions.
Continuous Improvement and Benchmarking:
* Contribute to the development and refinement of estimating tools, databases, cost models, and best practices. Maintain awareness of market trends, supplier pricing, and industry benchmarks.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
* Relevant number of years industry experience.
* Detailed understanding and use of Microsoft Excel
* Detailed understanding and use of ACCE (Aspen Capital Cost Estimator)