Wates Group
Cost Planner/Estimator

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Cost Planner / Estimator – Construction West
Location: Birmingham
We are looking for a talented Cost Planner / Estimator to join our Construction business in the Midlands, supporting the development of high-quality, competitive bids and contributing to a strong regional pipeline.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a collaborative pre-construction environment, working across a diverse range of projects and sectors.
About The Role
You'll play a key role in the early stages of project development, producing accurate cost plans and estimates that support work-winning activity. Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Design and Operational teams, you'll help shape projects from concept through to tender submission.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare cost plans, budgets and detailed estimates across a range of construction projects
- Support the development of tender submissions and pricing strategies
- Collaborate with design, commercial and delivery teams to ensure robust and deliverable proposals
- Analyse project information, drawings and specifications to identify risks, opportunities and cost drivers
- Engage with supply chain partners to obtain competitive quotations
- Contribute to value engineering and buildability discussions
- Maintain accurate benchmarking data and support continuous improvement
About You
- Experience in a Cost Planning or Estimating role within construction (contractor or consultancy)
- Understanding of construction methodologies, procurement routes and market conditions
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical information
- Commercially aware, detail-focused and able to manage multiple inputs
- A collaborative approach, with experience working within pre-construction teams


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What We Offer
- Opportunity to work on a diverse and high-profile pipeline across the North West
- A supportive, collaborative pre-construction team environment
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Competitive salary and benefits package
Why Join Us?
You'll be joining a forward-thinking construction business with a strong regional presence and ambitious growth plans—where your contribution will directly influence the projects we secure and deliver.
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