Lead Estimator Rail

Are you an experienced Estimating Manager or Lead Estimator with strong experience working on Network Rail projects?

Do you have line management experience and feel ready to take ownership of an established estimating function?

Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 + car allowance and benefits Location: London, hybrid

I am recruiting for a Lead Estimator to head up the UK estimating function for my client, an established consultancy operating across the infrastructure sector.

This is a senior leadership opportunity, ideally suited to an experienced Lead Estimator, Estimating Manager, or Associate Director with cost planning experience, who has built their career in rail and is looking for greater ownership and influence.

You will lead an established team of approximately 10 estimators, providing technical oversight, assurance, and direction across pre-contract activities. Rather than focusing on producing cost plans yourself, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality, accuracy, and consistency of estimating outputs, supporting bids and tenders, and maintaining strong client relationships.

My client is particularly interested in someone who understands Network Rail's processes, commercial environment, and expectations, and can confidently lead an estimating team delivering work across the rail sector.

Essential Requirements

Significant estimating experience within the rail infrastructure sector, ideally with around 10 years or more of relevant experience. A strong track record of working with or for Network Rail, whether directly, through a consultancy or within a contractor organisation. This must be substantial experience across multiple projects, with a clear understanding of Network Rail's processes, expectations and ways of working. Previous experience working within a consultancy environment. Established leadership and line management experience, including direct responsibility for managing and developing an estimating team. Strong pre-contract experience, including cost planning, estimating, tendering, bidding, and supporting projects through to client sign-off. Excellent technical estimating knowledge, including a detailed understanding of rates, cost build-ups, estimating methodologies, and quality assurance. Experience working with NEC contracts or an understanding of Network Rail's contractual environment. Familiarity with CostX and other relevant estimating software. Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge estimates, provide technical direction and influence senior stakeholders. Ability to take ownership of an established function and drive improvements in performance, quality and consistency. Desirable Experience

Chartered status, such as MRICS or equivalent, although significant relevant experience is equally valued. Experience leading larger estimating teams or managing estimating resources across multiple projects. Additional experience in sectors such as data centres or healthcare, alongside a strong rail background. A background in quantity surveying or cost management, provided the majority of experience is focused on pre-contract estimating and cost planning. This is an opportunity to step into an established senior position with genuine responsibility for the UK estimating function.

My client is looking for someone who can bring technical credibility, strong leadership, and a practical understanding of Network Rail projects, while making a tangible impact on the performance and development of the team.

The role would particularly suit an experienced rail estimating professional who has already managed a team and is looking for a position with greater influence, accountability, and long-term scope.

My client is keen to appoint and can accommodate either an immediate start or a start in the new year, depending on availability.

Interested?

Contact me at for a confidential discussion about the opportunity