Rider Levett Bucknall

Global construction and property consultancy services

Estimating Lead

Construction ManagementUpdated on Nov 13

Full-timeLondon, UKNo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A degree in Quantity Surveying or a similar technical discipline is required.
Strong technical delivery experience is required.
Experience using cost planning software to produce estimates is required.
Ability to manage complex projects proactively and diligently is required.
Strong feasibility and cost planning experience is required.
Experience preparing tender documentation and supporting post-contract services is required.
Client-facing experience and the ability to maintain a high standard of technical delivery are required.
Ability to build long-term relationships is required.
Prior employment by a consultancy or end-user client is required.
Stakeholder management experience with a focus on developing client accounts is required.
Candidates must be delivery-focused, organised, methodical, comfortable in fast-paced environments, confident leading meetings with senior stakeholders, calm under pressure, proactive in problem-solving, commercially aware, and collaborative while willing to challenge where necessary.
Candidates must take personal responsibility for complying with Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, and Quality Standards.

Responsibilities

Manage the successful delivery of pre-contract estimates and cost plans across sectors including data centres and advanced technology.
Lead across people, projects, and business.
Prepare indicative cost budgets and appraisals.
Prepare detailed cost estimates for RIBA stages 2, 3, and 4, including all cost elements using NRM measurement methodologies.
Advise clients on their development plans and expectations.
Conduct value engineering studies.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through financial analysis, benchmarking, and best practices.
Consult suppliers and subcontractors to obtain pricing information and quotations.
Set up cost reporting and monitoring procedures and systems to streamline the process before contract award.
Advise on procurement strategy.
Assemble long and short tender lists and seek agreement to them.
Prepare and issue tender documents.
Run competitive tender processes, including managing queries from tendering contractors.
Manage and contribute to structured, documented tender evaluations.
Prepare Contract Recommendation Reports and contract documents.
Attend progress meetings.
Advise and liaise with internal project and cost-control teams.
Develop commercial strategies.
Operate, individually or as part of a team, processes for selecting, appointing, and managing cost-planning and procurement elements of projects.
Provide clients with cost-planning and procurement advice that considers technical and commercial project implications.
Contribute to the team accountable for pre-contract cost-management work across multiple projects.
Support business objectives by delivering value for money.
Carry out assigned duties efficiently and in accordance with processes and procedures.
Comply with established cost-planning and estimating strategies.

Desired Qualifications

Professional qualification or membership, such as MRICS or MCIOB, is preferred.

Title: Estimating Lead

Seniority Level: Associate / Senior Associate

Discipline: Cost Management
Location: London (With Hybrid Working)

Why RLB?

At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Four values that live at the heart of RLB. A place where People Make Progress.

We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives – we think they are priceless. 

Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways. 

We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector. 

You’ll continue to learn and advance as everyone who works for us is provided with a tailored training programme. Our mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes will enable you to share your expertise while gaining fresh insights. 

What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee-owned business, teamwork and collaboration lies at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing.

Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.

Role Overview

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an Estimating Lead to manage the successful delivery of pre-contract estimates and cost plans for various sectors including data centres and advanced technology.

Role Responsibilities

Leadership responsibilities across people, projects and business
Cost Planning and Estimating including:
Preparation of indicative cost budgets and appraisals.
Preparation of detail cost estimates from RIBA stage 2, 3 and 4 containing all the cost elements using NRM method of measurement methodologies.
Provide advice and opinion in respect of our client development plans and expectations.
Value engineering studies.
Identifies key opportunities for cost savings initiatives through financial analysis, benchmarking and best practices.
Consult with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain pricing information and quotations.
Set up cost reporting and monitoring procedures and systems in order to streamline the process before the contract award.
Procurement including:
Providing advice on procurement strategy.
Assembling and seeking agreement to long and short tender lists.
Preparing and issuing tender documents.
Running a competitive tender process including managing queries from tendering contractors.
Managing and contributing to structured and documented tender evaluations.
Preparation of Contract Recommendation Reports.
Preparation of contract documents.
Compliant tenders.
Attending progress meetings.
Advising and liaising with internal project and cost control team.
Developing Commercial Strategies.
Individually or as part of a team operate processes for the selection, appointment and management of cost planning and procurement elements of the projects.
To provide clients with the appropriate cost planning and procurement advice, considering the technical and commercial implications of the projects.
The candidate will be an integral part of a team that is accountable for the pre-contract cost management scope of works across multiple projects.
To support business objectives of delivering value for money in all circumstances.
To carry out assigned duties efficiently and in accordance with processes and procedures.
Comply with established cost planning/estimating strategies.
Take personal responsibility for complying with Environmental, Health, Safety, Security and Quality Standards.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or similar technical discipline.
Professionally Qualified (MRICS, MCIOB etc) - Preferred.

Experience

Strong technical delivery experience.
Membership of a relevant professional body.
Experience of cost planning software to produce estimates.
Ability to successfully manage complex projects in a proactive and diligent manner.
Strong Feasibility and cost planning experience.
Experience of preparing tender documentation and support for post contract services.
Client facing, ensuring a high standard of technical delivery.
Able to build long-term relationships.
Previously employed by a consultancy or end user client.
Stakeholder management with a clear focus on developing client accounts.

Behaviours

Delivery focused.
Organised and methodical.
Comfortable working in fast-paced environments.
Confident leading meetings with senior stakeholders.
Calm under pressure.
A proactive problem solver.
Commercially aware.
Collaborative while willing to challenge where necessary.
Passionate about delivering major infrastructure projects.

Our culture is built around enabling you to fulfil your potential, so you can look forward to benefits that include:

Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work-life balance. As well as competitive maternity and paternity packages.

Well-Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.

Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.

Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.

Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in-house mentoring schemes.

Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.

Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.

Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.

About the Company

Rider Levett Bucknall

Global construction and property consultancy services

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) provides independent construction and property consultancy services for built projects around the world. Its work spans feasibility, cost planning, project management, procurement advice, contract administration, and asset management, guiding clients from early ideas through delivery and operation. The firm combines specialists across markets to deliver unbiased advice, using market data and project controls to help optimize cost, schedule, risk, and quality. RLB differentiates itself by its 240+ year track record, global network of about 4,500 professionals, and its emphasis on truth, trust, collaboration, and responsible impact, underpinned by a commitment to independence and straight talk. The goal is to help clients deliver successful projects efficiently while making a positive contribution to communities and the planet.

Company size: 1,001-5,000
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Founded: 1969

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