Estimator / Cost Planner

Key Responsibilities

The Estimator / Cost Planning Manager assumes commercial and functional management. Key responsibilities include overseeing the pre-construction cost planning process, developing and implementing best-practice estimation methodologies, driving value engineering initiatives and managing commercial risk registers on major tenders. This role is responsible for tender sign-off and bid strategy alignment, engaging in client negotiation on project costs, and acting as a commercial liaison for external stakeholders.

Cost Planning:

• Utilise and support the development of the company’s preferred cost planning software and tools.
• Be proficient in taking off quantities using the Bovis measurement software.
• Collaborate with the commercial team to secure market prices for trade packages and analyse these against cost plan allowances.
• Prepare, review, and analyse preliminaries for first and second stage bids, including producing standard preliminaries aligned with the proposed bid strategy.
• Incorporate programming requirements, methodology, phasing, and associated implications into cost plans and preliminaries.
• Accurately quantify and price cost plans from Development Brief / Feasibility stage through to Contract Price with the preferred contractor.
• Ability to build rates from first principles (labour, plant, and materials) is desirable but not essential.
• Accurate forecasting (inflation) of current trade rates.
• Manage external consultants (EQ Bill of Quants Consultancy), including initial engagement, appointment, issue of information, quality control, and ensuring submission and return in line with the programme.
• Be able to assess sub-contractor proposals.
• Prepare design fees with support from the relevant Design Manager.
• Prepare tender documentation for submission.
• Prepare cost plan commentary and supply key information to Bid Managers to support technical and written responses within tender submissions.
• Ensure that scope, assumptions, and pricing are clearly documented throughout all cost planning stages.

Design and Cost Control:

• Support project teams with change control and major variations during conversion and delivery stages.
• Support project and design teams in producing a design that meets cost plan requirements. Continuously analyse the design against cost plan assumptions, design briefs/target metrics, and benchmark projects.

Bidding and Strategy:

• Lead or support a bid as a Cost Planner either independently or as part of a team, depending on project scale and complexity.
• Support compliance of the cost plan with brief, authority, financiers’, and customer requirements during the conversion stage.

Data / Analytics:

• Support the updating of design and cost KPI's.
• Support benchmarking data and workstreams (cost / design / programme), ensuring data is captured and maintained. And support an initiative for the development of benchmarking systems.
• Contribute to the development of best practices, standards, knowledge bases, sector expertise, industry trends, yardsticks, and benchmarks.
• Produce written narratives outlining key insights derived from cost and benchmarking analysis, including justification of the cost plan within the context of these findings.

Credentials

• Maintain CSCS card for the role

• Currently holding, or working towards a related Chartership such as MRICS / MCIOB

Essential Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Behaviours

Skills

• Ability to influence and lead teams

• Ability to read drawings and construction design information

• Data analysis and data analytics including use of PowerBI

• Document control

• Negotiation

• Presentation skills

• Problem solving

• Process compliance

• Quantity take-off

• Strong Commercial acumen

• Tendering subcontract works packages of medium to high value

• Time management and prioritising tasks in order to meet deadlines

• Value engineering

• Written and verbal communication to influence and build relationships with various stakeholders

Knowledge

• Ability to contribute to value engineering as part of the design process

• Allocation of scope to trade packages

• Be able to produce detailed prelim forecasts.

• Understand and apply cost planning & financial procedures and reporting tools

• Understanding of various procurement routes, including the RIBA design processes.

Experience

• Proven track record of working on various bid stages included Stage 1 (initial tender) and Stage 2 (Conversion into contract / PCSA).Reviewing subcontractor tender offers and subcontractor tender analysis produced by the commercial team to ensure a robust cost position.

• Building inflation models / calculations.

• Coordinating multiple trade packages into a master cost plan / bill of quantities to ensure all scope gaps are found, priced, and any duplication is removed.

• Coordinating resources internally to ensure deliverables are met.

• Preparing cost plans at various RIBA stages.

• Presenting to stakeholders

• Understanding, building, and using benchmarking data for use at reviews, and for use externally with clients / consultants.

Behaviours

• Flexibility and openness of approach and willingness to work as a team player

• Has a great attention to detail and thoroughness in all of the work they produce

• Is analytical thinking

• Taken ownership of Reporting, including populating all key templates and documents for reviews.

• Provides constructive challenge and feedback to others within the team.

We will provide:

• Car allowance

• Flexible and hybrid work options

• Up to 10% employer pension contribution

• Private medical health benefit

• Life assurance

• 25 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell additional days

• 3 days wellbeing leave in addition to annual leave

• Health and wellbeing support and initiatives

• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme including direct access to Talking Therapies and Coaching services

• Discounted gym membership to over 2,500 gym’s nation wide

• Industry leading parental leave

• Lead and manage the cost planning team, providing clear direction and defining priorities for successful project outcomes.
• Work closely with the Head of Cost Planning & Estimating to develop and implement cost planning strategies, ensuring adequate resources and management.
• Accountable for all cost planning aspects, from project inception to feasibility and bid preparation for internal and external clients.
• Challenge and guide the Development Project Manager and design team to optimize building designs within the cost plan, utilizing benchmark projects for analysis.
• Support the development and implementation of best practices, knowledge sharing, and upskilling within the cost planning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Lendlease Development's governance process (Compass) for cost planning and bid presentations.
• Stay updated on industry trends, yardsticks, and benchmarks to provide expert advice and ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather and analyze data, ensuring accurate cost planning and forecasting.
• Prepare and present cost plans, budgets, and forecasts to clients and stakeholders, clearly communicating the financial aspects of the projects.

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in cost planning, with a strong background in MEP projects.
• Excellent knowledge of construction processes, materials, and industry standards.
• Proficiency in cost planning software and tools, including MS Office and relevant industry-specific applications.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to guide and mentor a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with clients and internal teams.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on detail and accuracy in cost planning and forecasting.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and a dynamic work environment.