Lead Estimator

Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is looking for an exceptional Lead Estimator to drive cost modelling and estimating excellence across the nationally significant Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) Programme — one of the UK’s most important long‑term environmental infrastructure projects.

This is a rare opportunity to lead estimating strategy at national scale. You’ll own and evolve our cost estimating frameworks, deliver high‑quality whole‑life cost models, and influence investment decisions that shape the future of nuclear waste management for generations. This is a hybrid role with successful individual to be based at either one of our NWS Offices at either Herdus House in Cumbria, Hinton House in Warrington or Helios Building, Didcot.

• The estimating and cost modelling function for one of the UK’s most complex infrastructure programmes
• Development and continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools and governance
• Delivery of transparent, auditable whole‑life cost models that inform investment and regulatory engagement
• Integration of estimating with planning, risk and change control to produce robust, risk‑based estimates
• Assurance, challenge and validation of estimates across internal, external and regulatory reviews
• Collaboration with commercial, procurement and programme teams to ensure value for money and strong commercial outcomes

• Proven experience delivering major programme estimating within complex project controls environments
• Strong technical capability in estimating methodologies, modelling, risk and change
• Ability to analyse, challenge and communicate complex cost models to diverse audiences
• Leadership skills with the ability to develop people, processes and capability
• Resilience, adaptability and confidence working in a highly regulated, multi‑stakeholder environment

• Salary for this role is £79, 352 with opportunity to progress to £86,284
• Generous annual leave package – 25.5 days plus bank holidays and 13 accrued days
• Bonus of up to £4,100 company bonus plus additional 5% personal incentive bonus
• Various other competetive benefits package

NWS is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.