Senior Estimator

About The Role

Balfour Beatty has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Estimator to join our growing Power Transmission & Distribution business.

This role will primarily focus on the preparation of estimates and tender submissions for major Overhead Line (OHL) projects up to 400kV across SSE's transmission network. As the UK invests heavily in upgrading its electricity infrastructure to support the transition to Net Zero, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role in delivering some of the country's most significant energy projects.

As a market leader in the delivery of Overhead Line projects, Balfour Beatty is entering a period of unprecedented growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing robust, competitive and commercially sound estimates that support the continued success of our OHL business and strengthen our position within the market.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator looking to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects while developing their career within one of the UK's leading construction and engineering organisations.

• Lead the preparation of accurate and competitive estimates for major OHL transmission projects.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and client requirements.
• Produce quantity take-offs, BOQs and detailed pricing using Candy estimating software.
• Evaluate construction methodologies, supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop assumptions, clarifications and cost analysis to support tender submissions.
• Ensure all estimates are completed accurately and submitted within required timescales.
• Ensure compliance with Balfour Beatty's Gated Lifecycle and Bid Governance processes.
• Prepare tender summaries, cost comparisons, cashflow forecasts and supporting governance documentation.
• Maintain estimating records and audit trails.
• Attend and contribute to Gate Review meetings throughout the bid lifecycle.
• Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Commercial, Procurement, Planning, Finance and Business Development teams.
• Attend client meetings, site visits and tender clarification sessions as required.
• Support negotiations, presentations and post-tender reviews.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of estimating processes, systems and best practices.
• Share lessons learned and support the Estimating Community of Practice.
• Champion business improvement initiatives and innovation opportunities.
• Mentor and support junior estimators where appropriate.

• Significant estimating experience within the construction, utilities, energy or infrastructure sectors.
• Proven experience producing detailed estimates for large-scale multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
• Experience analysing cost data and benchmarking information.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, drawings and specifications.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality outputs.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.

• Experience with in the UK Transmission and Distribution sector.
• Previous experience estimating Overhead Line projects up to 400kV.
• Knowledge of SSE frameworks and transmission projects.
• Experience using Candy estimating software.
• Familiarity with NEC forms of contract.
• Knowledge of electricity transmission infrastructure and associated construction methodologies.

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more

Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on-going…