Job Title: Programme Estimator
Location: HM Naval Base, Portsmouth (HMNBP)
Service Area: Infrastructure Programme
Hours of Work: 37 Per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £50,000 – 60,000
What you will be doing:
This role is responsible for leading and coordinating all cost planning activities across the programme, ensuring adherence to the Authorities planning and funding cycles.
- Prepare accurate cost estimates for construction projects across all stages that feed the 20 Year Infrastructure Plan and the 2 Year Forward Works Plan
- Produce clear, structured cost reports and present to senior leadership members
- Support bid submissions and contribute to tender evaluations
- Analyse drawings, specifications, and project documents to determine material, labour, and time requirements for each project from a cost planning perspective
- Identify cost risks and value‑engineering opportunities
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of industry pricing, market trends, and construction methods
What you will bring:
- The ability to create cost plans and estimates by benchmarking and the use of historical site data and using industry norms
- Ensure programme structures to support ‘though life cost’ and ‘total cost of ownership’ requirements
- Having a full understanding of the RIBA stages within construction projects and how these are applied with regards to cost planning
- Sound knowledge of the application of qualitative and quantitative risk
- Collaboratively working with the PMO and project delivery teams in relation to project, programme and portfolio lifecycles
- Ability to analyse and interpret tender return cost reports and identify any potential risks and issues
- Maintaining effective communications with all stakeholders including MOD
- Report on programme cost at regular intervals
About you:
- Previous and broad range of knowledge in the construction industry (including MOD estates but not essential)
- Knowledge of cost planning tools, SharePoint (or similar), Microsoft Office.
- Experience of working in a complex operational environment with a wide variety of marine, building, civil and system assets
- Proven experience as a Cost Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, or similar role within construction
- Strong analytical skills and exceptional attention to detail
- Proficiency with estimating software and Excel
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Excellent communication skills
- A proactive mindset and the confidence to challenge assumptions when needed
You’ll get:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Holiday purchase scheme, following successful completion of probation period
- Early finish on a Friday
- Discretionary company bonus scheme
- Enhanced pension scheme – employee contribution 4% and company contribution 6%, or you can increase your contribution to 6% and company contribution will increase to 10%
- Life assurance x 4 (subject to scheme T&C’s)
- Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleagues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Group income protection
- Flexible parental benefits (if applicable)
- Free parking onsite
- Access to our Internal employee assistance network, giving you the opportunity to reach the heights of success within your new position.
- Continued professional career development
- Kudos reward opportunities (internal achievements scheme)
- Occupational Health & Wellbeing Services
- Discount off entry into the Historic Dockyard
Application process:
Applications are urged to apply prior to the advertising closing date of 20th July 2026
Background checks & security
Please note that due to the nature of the site we are based on and the work carried out, once offered we carry out a number of pre-employment checks which include UKSV clearance applications – you will need to be eligible for this and willing to go through the process. For more information, please speak with the Talent & Recruitment team.
About us:
At KBS Maritime, we're not just another company – we're an exciting and dynamic joint venture between industry leaders BAE Systems and KBR. Our team is dedicated to providing Asset Management, Infrastructure Management, Energy Solutions and Alongside Services at His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP), the beating heart of the Royal Navy.
With almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships stationed at HMNBP, working with KBS Maritime means being at the forefront of innovation and progress. We operate in a unique and fascinating environment, with a mix of historic dockyards and cutting-edge infrastructure that's unlike any other.
By delivering state of the art solutions to the Royal Navy, KBS Maritime offers the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK's National Defence and Security. But it's not just about the work – at KBS Maritime, we believe in the value of our people. We have the ethos of a small business, which means we value and empower our team members to succeed.
KBS Maritime is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of every social or cultural background, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and belief.
We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to accommodate any disability. In the first instance, if you require this job advert in an alternative format, or require any assistance, please contact recruitment@kbsmaritime.com