Head of Estimating

Lanes Group plc is a leading nationwide utility services provider with c.5000 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £650 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

Department:

Sapphire Utility Solutions, a Lanes Group Company specialise in multiple divisions.

Commercial works closely with operational, delivery, and support teams across the business, providing commercial oversight, contract management, financial control, and strategic guidance to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, profitably, and in line with contractual obligations.

The team is responsible for protecting and enhancing business value through effective cost management, risk mitigation, procurement support, and stakeholder engagement. By driving commercial best practice and informed decision-making, they help maximise project performance, support sustainable growth, and ensure the business delivers outstanding outcomes for customers and partners.

Purpose of the role:

As Head of Estimating, you will provide strategic leadership to the Estimating function, ensuring the delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially robust estimates and bids across a diverse portfolio of projects within the Clean Water and Wastewater sectors, delivering Capital, Rehab and R&M Frameworks and Projects

Leading the estimating function, you will drive consistency, continuous improvement, and best practice across estimating activities, supporting the successful delivery of high-value term service contracts and frameworks for major regulated water industry clients. This role plays a critical part in securing sustainable growth, managing commercial risk, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and governance throughout the bid lifecycle.

Location:

Flexible – UK Wide This role can be based anywhere across the UK, with travel to operational sites and offices as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, manage, and develop a national estimating team, creating a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to support individual and team development.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, processes, and best practices across the business.
• Promote a positive, safety-first culture aligned with company values and objectives.

Estimating & Commercial Management

• Oversee the preparation, review, validation, and submission of accurate and commercially competitive estimates, tenders, and cost plans.
• Ensure all bids are aligned with business objectives, client requirements, and agreed commercial strategies.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings, and contractual requirements to identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions.
• Challenge and validate pricing methodologies, assumptions, and cost build-ups to ensure consistency and competitiveness.
• Support contract negotiations and provide commercial guidance during bid clarification and award stages.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, framework partners, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Work collaboratively with operational, commercial, procurement, and business development teams to develop winning bid strategies.
• Act as a key technical and commercial advisor throughout the bid process.
• Represent the business at client meetings, tender interviews, and industry events where required.

Supply Chain &…