Lead Estimator

Peterborough - East of England projects (Hybrid working, 2-3 days onsite per week)

National Gas is securing Britain’s energy. We transport gas throughout Great Britain, repair and maintain gas pipelines, and manage the meters that allow millions of homes and businesses to access the energy they need. We are the national gas network, providing secure energy to power Britain, achieve net zero, and maintain our industrial competitiveness.

Ready to shape the future of construction projects? Join us as a Lead Estimator and play a pivotal role in delivering projects on time, on budget, and with maximum impact.

As Lead Estimator, you’ll be at the heart of our project delivery, ensuring financial viability and strategic value across every stage. Your expertise will drive accurate cost estimation, robust budgeting, and smart risk management, making a real difference to our business.

• Cost Estimation & Budgeting: Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for major construction projects, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Gather and analyse data on materials, labour, location, and duration, using historical and market trends to inform your estimates.
• Tender & Bid Preparation: Oversee competitive tenders and bids, evaluating contractor and supplier submissions to secure the best value.
• Cost Control & Monitoring: Track project costs throughout the lifecycle, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Risk Assessment: Identify significant cost risks and develop robust mitigation strategies, incorporating uncertainty into your estimates.
• Leadership: Mentor and support your team, driving high performance and professional growth.
• Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to align cost estimates with project goals.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain transparent records and produce regular reports on cost performance for senior stakeholders.
• Value Engineering: Lead exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend alternative methods or materials.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all activities meet industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Continuous Improvement: Enhance processes and tools, applying best practices and lessons learned to future projects.

We’re looking for a confident, strategic thinker with a passion for excellence and a track record of delivering results in cost estimation.

Given the nature of the role, you'll be happy working from sites, regional offices and remotely as required depending on the project lifecycle.

Key Requirements & Experience

• Extensive experience in cost estimation for large-scale construction or engineering projects.
• Proven ability to lead cost estimation efforts, manage budgets, and provide strategic guidance.
• Working knowledge and practical experience in contract management, design management, assurance, procurement, programme and project management, quality and value management.
• Experience in cost estimation and budgeting, data analysis, tender and bid preparation, cost control, risk assessment and reporting.
• You’ll thrive in a team environment with the ability and desire to lead the projects to success.
• AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or similar.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ or similar.
• RICS Certificate in Construction Project Management.
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering or Quantity Surveying.

• Salary between £55,744 to £67,000 (dependent on experience)
• Annual bonus of 6% based on personal and company performance
• 26 days’ holiday plus 8 statutory holidays – plus option to buy 5 additional days
• Double-match pension scheme - for every £1 you put in, we’ll add £2 (max company contribution 12%)
• Opt-In flexible benefit scheme, including salary sacrifice private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans and more
• Financial protection with 10x salary death in service and financial support if you're unable to work due to long term illness or injury
• Excellent family friendly provisions - maternity/paternity/adoption/surrogacy/ shared parental leave
• Career progression, professional…