Managing Estimator

An excellent opportunity for a Managing Estimator to lead complex UK infrastructure estimating programmes for a respected construction consultancy.

This Birmingham estimating job offers leadership over Class 5–1 estimate development, strategic input on bids and proposals, and collaboration across transport, energy, and wider infrastructure sectors.

Salary band of £70,000-£90,000, or more depending on experience, with flexible working and significant career progression. Willingness to travel 2-3 working days per week/fortnight required.

Project Details

Construction projects include large-scale and complex programmes across transport, rail, highways, energy, nuclear, renewables, power, water, defence, and aviation sectors.

Responsibilities and Duties

This senior estimator role will involve strategic oversight, team management, and direct engagement with clients on major UK infrastructure frameworks:

• Lead and develop estimating teams delivering Class 5 to Class 1 estimates for complex infrastructure projects
• Review, challenge, and approve estimates to ensure robustness and consistency across programmes
• Provide commercial and strategic input to bids, proposals, and work-winning activities
• Advise clients on estimating methodologies, risk, contingency, and cost certainty strategies
• Ensure effective use of benchmarking, historical cost data, and estimating systems
• Mentor and develop junior estimators and cost consultants within the team
• Lead stakeholder and client presentations on estimating outputs and cost advice
• Drive continuous improvement, data governance, and best practice within the estimating function

Desired Skills and Experience

• 10+ years in estimating, with strong client-facing and infrastructure experience
• Proven ability to lead estimating teams and manage estimating functions at programme or portfolio level
• Strong background in first-principles estimating, benchmarking, and cost planning for infrastructure projects
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence in presenting to senior clients
• Ability to provide high-level commercial and strategic advice across multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience working within regulated infrastructure sectors (e.g. transport, energy, utilities, defence) is advantageous

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management or similar
• Chartered status (RICS, ACostE, AACE, ICE) preferred
• Security clearance eligibility may be advantageous for some projects

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is seeking a Managing Estimator on behalf of a prestigious construction consultancy delivering estimating and cost advisory services for flagship UK and international infrastructure programmes.

The consultancy promotes a collaborative, people-focused culture, offering structured professional development, leadership opportunities, and exposure to some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure investments.

A full client overview will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Flexible working policy
• Professional development and chartership support
• Travel expenses covered where required