Senior Estimator

Job Description

Due to continued growth within our Infrastructure team, we are looking to appoint experienced Senior Estimators to work with our clients on the delivery of exciting projects in Belfast.

The Senior Estimator will act as a key figure in preparing detailed cost estimates, analysing project documents, and evaluating risks and opportunities. The role holder is responsible for communicating findings and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely project cost management.

The Senior Estimator is responsible for reviewing estimate data and finalising unit cost pricing. The role holder will collaborate with engineers, supervise cost estimates, train junior estimators, and support the reporting cycle for estimate changes. Throughout the estimate development process the role holder will coordinate with the project management and engineering functions.

• Prepare cost estimates to an appropriate level of detail consistent with the available design information.
• Analyse documents, drawings, and project plans to identify factors that may influence project cost.
• Provide continuous evaluation of estimates to determine the potential risks or opportunities that may influence the completion of the project to ensure it remains within budget.
• Communicate cost estimating deliverables and findings to senior management, contractors, and vendors through presentations and reports.
• Obtain accurate and up‑to‑date pricing information from databases, contractors, and suppliers to support estimate preparation, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
• Review and finalise estimates to reflect current market conditions and specific project conditions.
• Review historical benchmark cost information and identify any significant variances.
• Collaborate proactively with the Metro Link organisation to gain a clear understanding of the project scope to support estimate preparation and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Provide continuous training and mentorship to junior and intermediate level estimators.
• Proactively support the reporting cycle that clearly communicates estimate changes and the rationale behind them, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness in routine reporting.
• Prepare and review material take‑offs from documents and drawings.
• Review contract documents to understand scope of work and cost allowances for scope changes.
• Perform additional tasks, activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as part of the role.

• 10+ years’ experience in cost management and estimation.
• 5+ years experience conducting cost management and estimation on active civil, rail / transit, airport, or commercial construction projects.
• Knowledge of various contracting methods such as Design/Bid/Build (DBB), Design Build (DB), Construction Management At Risk (CMAR), Guarantee Maximum Price (GMP) etc.
• Experience with estimating software such as Candy, CostX, or similar.
• Tangible experience of implementing the costing and estimating frameworks within a PMO function.
• Experience in large civil engineering projects in the rail, water or aviation sectors; experience on other large civil engineering infrastructure projects is also considered.
• Working knowledge of the NEC form of Contract.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate clear and consistent dialogue between all parties involved.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive estimating.
• Ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions to maintain the estimating process and timeline.
• Strong understanding of Information Technology in the performance of work including Microsoft Windows OS, Adobe Acrobat and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Deep understanding of industry‑specific technical aspects.
• Ability to identify and assess potential risks and opportunities.
• Proficiency in negotiating with vendors and contractors.
• Precision in preparing detailed estimates and reviewing project documents.
• Strong knowledge of estimation and project management software.
• Ability to supervise, train and mentor junior and intermediate estimators.
• Skill in identifying and resolving issues that may impact…