The Cost Estimator

The Cost Estimator will support our clients' estimating and proposals function by developing accurate, transparent, and competitive cost estimates for the delivery of energy infrastructure projects and associated engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) works. Reporting to the Head of Bids and Proposals, the role will work closely with the estimating team, operations, engineering, procurement, commercial, and project stakeholders to analyze future project requirements, develop cost models, assess commercial and operational risks, and support tender submissions from initial review through to final proposal.

The Cost Estimator will contribute to reliable pricing, robust risk assessment, and effective mitigation planning across a diverse portfolio of energy projects. Over time, the role will maintain records of project outturn costs against original estimates, building a comprehensive database of benchmarks and lessons learned to continually improve estimating accuracy and future bid competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, and cost breakdowns for energy infrastructure and engineering projects.
• Review client specifications, tender documents, drawings, scopes of work, and delivery strategies to determine estimating requirements.
• Participate in client clarification meetings and technical reviews.
• Develop estimate assumptions, basis of estimate documentation, and detailed cost build-ups covering labor, plant, equipment, materials, subcontractors, logistics, and indirect costs.
• Maintain estimating databases, pricing records, benchmarks, and lessons learned to improve future tender accuracy.
• Work closely with the Bid Manager to support tender planning, estimate reviews, and bid submission requirements.
• Coordinate estimate inputs from engineering, operations, procurement, commercial, HSE, and other functional teams.
• Challenge tender assumptions and stakeholder inputs to ensure estimates are realistic, competitive, and aligned with the proposed delivery methodology.
• Support the development of commercial submissions by providing accurate cost information and pricing strategies.
• Identify, assess, and quantify cost risks and opportunities during tender development and project planning.
• Support quantitative risk analysis using Monte Carlo simulation or similar probabilistic risk modelling techniques where appropriate.
• Develop contingency allowances and mitigation strategies in collaboration with estimating and project delivery teams.
• Present cost risk assessments, sensitivities, and recommendations to management and bid stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with project delivery and engineering teams to validate productivity assumptions, resource requirements, construction methodologies, logistics, equipment utilisation, and project execution costs.
• Evaluate supplier, subcontractor, and vendor quotations and support commercial comparisons and procurement strategies.
• Support the handover of successful tenders to project teams, ensuring estimate assumptions, risks, and commercial considerations are fully documented.
• Contribute to post-tender reviews and project feedback sessions to improve estimating processes and forecasting accuracy.
• Prepare clear estimate summaries, cost reports, risk registers, and management review documentation.
• Ensure estimates are fully traceable, auditable, and supported by appropriate assumptions, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Apply established estimating procedures, governance requirements, and approval processes throughout the bid lifecycle.
• Support the continuous improvement of estimating tools, templates, databases, and cost modelling methodologies.