Cost Estimator / Commercial Lead
Engineering & Manufacturing | High-Value Projects | Senior Appointment
We’re looking for an experienced Cost Estimator to take full ownership of the commercial and financial performance of our growing engineering and manufacturing portfolio.
This is a key strategic hire, reporting directly to the General Manager. You’ll step into a role with real authority, influence, and autonomy from day one—shaping how we manage cost, risk, and contracts across the business.
If you’re commercially driven, confident working with NEC contracts, and thrive in complex, contractor-led environments such as defence or manufacturing, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
The Opportunity
You’ll act as the business’s trusted commercial authority—driving best practice, strengthening governance, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.
Working closely with project managers, engineers, clients, and suppliers, you’ll provide expert leadership in cost control, forecasting, contract management, and risk mitigation.
This is not a development role. We’re looking for someone ready to lead, influence, and set the commercial standard.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead commercial and contractual management across multiple projects
- Produce robust estimates, budgets, forecasts, and cost reports
- Manage NEC contracts, early warnings, CEs, payment applications, and variations
- Identify commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies
- Support monthly reporting, invoicing, and client progress meetings
- Manage and engage the supply chain, ensuring strong contractual compliance
- Lead subcontract negotiations, procurement, and change control
- Support bids, tenders, and pre-contract reviews
- Assess time and cost impacts on live projects
- Drive continuous improvement and embed best commercial practice
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Degree in Quantity Surveying
- Strong commercial, financial, and analytical capability
- Proven experience in cost estimation and project cost control
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Confident working independently in fast-paced environments
Desirable
- NEC3 contract experience
- Background in defence, manufacturing, or contractor-led projects
- Experience using estimating and project management software
We welcome applications from senior QSs, commercial managers, and experienced contractor-side professionals ready to hit the ground running.
Working Pattern & Benefits
- 37.5 hours per week
- Mon–Thurs: 8am–5pm
- Fri: 8am–12pm (WFH available)
- Flexible working, including potential 4-day week
- Exposure to high-value, technically complex projects
- Opportunity to influence and shape commercial strategy
- Supportive, forward-thinking engineering environment