Lead Estimator


Company:	Octavius Infrastructure Limited
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	RH2 9PY
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	15 Jul 2026
Closing date:	14 Aug 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Lead Estimator - Regional Civil EngineeringLocation: Remote,with occasional travel to our offices in Gloucestershire, Surrey and Hampshire

At Octavius Infrastructure, we're proud to deliver the infrastructure that keeps the UK moving. As a leading civil engineering business, we work collaboratively to deliver safe, sustainable and efficient transport solutions across highways, rail and public realm environments.

We are looking for an experienced Lead Estimator to join our Highways Pre-Delivery team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in securing and shaping major infrastructure projects while helping to drive the future success of our business.

The OpportunityAs Lead Estimator, you will take ownership of the estimating process across a range of civil engineering and highways opportunities. Working closely with operational, commercial and bid teams, you will develop robust cost estimates, target costs and pricing strategies that accurately reflect project scope, opportunities and risks.

You will provide leadership throughout the tendering process, ensuring estimates are accurate, competitive and aligned with our delivery strategy. Your expertise will be instrumental in helping Octavius win and successfully deliver future projects.

What You'll Be Doing

-Leading the development and production of detailed analytical estimates, target costs and budget estimates for complex civil engineering projects.

-Producing accurate cost plans from first principles.

-Identifying, analysing and managing commercial risks and opportunities within tenders.

-Preparing Bills of Quantities, work take-offs and activity schedules.

-Collaborating with operational and commercial teams to develop efficient delivery solutions.

-Reviewing methodologies, programmes and resource requirements to ensure robust pricing.

-Presenting tender approaches, cost strategies and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

-Mentoring and supporting estimators within the team, promoting best practice and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking ForWe're looking for someone who combines strong technical estimating expertise with excellent leadership and communication skills.

Essential Experience

-Proven experience producing estimates from first principles for large and complex infrastructure or civil engineering projects.

-Strong understanding of civil engineering construction techniques, methodologies and associated costs.

-Experience preparing Bills of Quantities and working with recognised Methods of Measurement.

-Detailed knowledge of labour, plant, material and subcontractor resources and how these influence overall project costs.

-Strong understanding of risk management and its impact on project pricing and cost certainty.

-Ability to prepare detailed cost estimates, quantity take-offs and activity schedules.

-Proficient with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.

Personal Attributes

-A collaborative and influential leader who can bring teams together to achieve shared goals.

-Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.

-Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

-Confident presenting solutions and recommendations to senior leadership teams.

-Proactive, accountable and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes.

What You'll ReceiveWe recognise that our people are our greatest asset, which is why we offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career development and work-life balance, including:

-Company Car Scheme

-Private Healthcare

-Competitive Pension Scheme

-Life Assurance

-25 Days Annual Leave, plus your Birthday Off

-Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave

-Flexible and Hybrid Working Opportunities

-Ongoing Professional Development and Career Progression

Why Octavius?At Octavius, you'll be part of a business that puts people first. We foster a collaborative culture where innovation, wellbeing and professional growth are genuinely valued. You'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful infrastructure projects that make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

Ready to lead the estimating function on some of the UK's most exciting civil engineering projects? We'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of infrastructure with Octavius Infrastructure.

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.

Apply for this job

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.