Lead Estimator

Job Title: Lead Estimator (Cost Intelligence & Benchmarking)
Contract Type: Temporary
Daily Rate: £450 - £500 (Umbrella) Depending on experience
Contract Length: 12 months
Working Pattern: Full Time (Hybrid: Warwick office 2 days per week)

About Our Client:
Our client, a leading organisation in the energy sector, is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to redefine its estimating capability across major programmes. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned cost engineering professional to go beyond traditional estimate production and help shape the future of cost intelligence and benchmarking excellence within a significant infrastructure portfolio.

About the Role:
As part of the central estimating function, the Lead Estimator will play a pivotal role in enhancing systems, methodologies, and cost databases that underpin investment decisions and project delivery. Collaborating closely with the Estimating Manager and project stakeholders, the successful candidate will develop a more consistent, data-driven estimating capability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Estimating Capability Development:

- Enhance and standardise estimating methodologies across major programmes.
- Develop and improve estimating systems, tools, templates, and processes.
- Build and maintain cost databases, resource libraries, output rates, and productivity norms.
- Mentor junior estimators to support capability development across the team.

• Benchmarking & Cost Intelligence:

- Design and implement a comprehensive benchmarking framework.
- Develop benchmark rates, productivity measures, and cost intelligence datasets.
- Analyse historical project performance and market data to identify trends.
- Provide reliable cost intelligence and benchmarking insights for investment decisions.

• Data & Analytics:

- Capture and analyse cost, productivity, and programme data from live and completed projects.
- Improve the quality and accessibility of estimating data, translating complex datasets into actionable insights.
- Develop reporting tools and dashboards to support decision-making and estimating maturity.

• Stakeholder Management:

- Build strong relationships with project management, engineering, procurement, and leadership teams.
- Act as a subject matter expert for benchmarking, cost intelligence, and estimating best practises.
- Influence stakeholders through data-driven recommendations and assurance activities.

About You:
The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced estimator or cost engineer, passionate about developing estimating capabilities rather than merely producing estimates. A strong understanding of benchmarking, cost intelligence, and productivity modelling is essential, along with the ability to influence stakeholders across a complex infrastructure organisation.

Essential Experience:

• Extensive experience in cost estimation within major infrastructure, engineering, or energy projects.
• Proven track record in developing estimating systems, methodologies, or cost intelligence frameworks.
• Strong expertise in benchmarking, estimate validation, and cost assurance.
• Proficiency in Eclipse Estimating and advanced Excel.
• AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) certification.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in the utilities, energy transmission, or regulated industries.
• Knowledge of NEC4 contracts and project controls.
• Familiarity with Power BI and data visualisation tools.

Why Apply?
This is not just another estimating role; it's a chance to shape the future of estimating capability within a major UK infrastructure organisation! Enjoy a collaborative environment that fosters strategic improvement, with the autonomy to drive your initiatives. With strong potential for contract extension, this opportunity promises to be both impactful and rewarding.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! If you are ready to take the next step in your career and lead the evolution of estimating excellence, apply today!

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