Estimating Director – UK

Location: London, UK (Hybrid, with travel to project sites)

Salary: Competitive + package

About the Company

This organisation is a leading international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm delivering complex, large-scale projects across the data centre, advanced technology, life sciences, food & beverage, and industrial sectors.

Renowned for technical excellence and a commitment to safety, sustainability, and quality, the company provides end-to-end project solutions — from concept design and cost planning through to construction and commissioning. With a growing global footprint and an expanding UK operation, the business continues to deliver high-value, technically demanding facilities for world-class clients.

Role Overview

The Estimating Director will lead the UK estimating and pre-construction function, overseeing all project cost planning and tendering activities across a diverse portfolio of EPCM and design & build projects within the data centre, advanced technology, life sciences, food & beverage, and industrial sectors.

This strategic leadership role is responsible for ensuring accurate, competitive, and compliant estimates are produced to support business growth, profitability, and project delivery excellence. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing estimating team, shape commercial strategy, and work closely with senior leadership, project directors, and clients to drive innovation, consistency, and accuracy across all pre-construction activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the UK estimating function, ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency across all estimates and bids.
• Develop and implement robust estimating strategies tailored to complex EPCM and design & build projects across multiple technical sectors.
• Oversee cost planning, value engineering, benchmarking, and risk evaluation throughout the pre-construction phase.
• Review and approve major tenders, ensuring commercial, technical, and contractual compliance.
• Collaborate with design, procurement, engineering, and project management teams to develop precise and integrated cost plans.
• Provide strategic input on pricing structures, procurement routes, and value management initiatives.
• Support seamless project handover from estimating to delivery teams, ensuring alignment on budgets and scope.
• Mentor and develop the estimating team, promoting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors to sustain market competitiveness.
• Champion digital transformation and best practice in estimating through advanced cost management tools and methodologies.

Key Requirements

• Extensive experience leading estimating or pre-construction functions within construction or EPCM environments, ideally focused on data centres, technology, or industrial sectors.
• Proven ability to deliver accurate, strategic estimates for large-scale, technically complex projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with expertise in cost modelling, procurement strategy, and value engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development experience within a multi-project environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of influencing at senior levels.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or Engineering.
• Chartered status (RICS, CIOB, or equivalent) advantageous.
• Proficient in leading estimating and cost management software and digital tools.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and executive package
• Opportunity to lead the estimating function for a fast-growing, internationally recognised EPCM business
• High-value, technically complex projects across data centre, advanced technology, life sciences, food & beverage, and industrial sectors
• Collaborative and innovative culture with clear progression into senior leadership
• Strong commitment to professional development and continuous improvement