Senior Estimator

  • Turner & Townsend
  • Oct 30, 2025
Full time Accounting

Job Description

Senior Estimator
  • Belfast, UK
  • Full-time
  • Department: Infrastructure

Company Description

At Turner & Townsend we're passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society.

Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 130 countries worldwide.

Our team is dynamic, innovative, and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result, our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.

Job Description

Due to continued growth in our Infrastructure team are looking for a Senior Estimator in Belfast, we are looking to appoint experienced Senior Estimators to work with our clients, on the delivery of exciting projects.

Acting as a key figure in preparing detailed cost estimates, analysing project documents, and evaluating risks and opportunities. The role holder is responsible for communicating findings and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely project cost management.

The Senior Estimator is responsible for the review of estimate data and finalising unit cost pricing. The role holder will collaborate with engineers, supervise cost estimates, train junior estimators, and support the reporting cycle for estimate changes. The role holder will coordinate with the project management and engineering functions throughout the estimate development process.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare cost estimates to an appropriate level of detail consistent with the available design information.
  • Analyse documents, drawings, and project plans to identify factors that may influence project cost.
  • Provide continuous evaluation of estimates to determine the potential risks or opportunities that may influence the completion of the project to ensure it remains within budget.
  • Communicate cost estimating deliverables and findings to senior management, contractors, and vendors through presentations and reports.
  • Obtain accurate and up -to- date pricing information from databases, contractors, and suppliers to support estimate preparation, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
  • Review and finalise estimates to reflect current market conditions and specific project conditions.
  • Review historical benchmark cost information and identify any significant variances.
  • Collaborate proactively with the MetroLink organisation to gain a clear understanding of the project scope to support estimate preparation and ensure alignment with project goals.
  • Provide continuous training and mentorship to junior and intermediate level estimators.
  • Proactively support the reporting cycle that clearly communicates estimate changes and the rationale behind them, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness in routine reporting.
  • Prepare and review material take offs from documents and drawings.
  • Review contract documents to understand scope of work and cost allowances for scope changes.
  • Perform additional tasks, activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as part of the role.

Experience

  • 10+ years' experience in cost management and estimation.
  • 5+ years experience conducting cost management and estimation on active civil, rail / transit, airport, or commercial construction project.
  • Knowledge of various types of contracting methods such as, Design/Bid/Build (DBB), Design Build (DB), Construction Management At Risk (CMAR), Guarantee Maximum Price (GPM) etc.
  • Experience with estimating software such as Candy, CostX, or similar.
  • Tangible experience of implementing the costing and estimating frameworks within a PMO function.
  • Experience in large, civil engineering projects in the rail, water or aviation sectors, we will also consider candidates who have experience on other large, Civil Engineering infrastructure projects.
  • Working knowledge of the NEC form of Contract

Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate clear and consistent dialogue between all parties involved.
  • Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive estimating.
  • Ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions to maintain the estimating process and timeline.
  • Strong understanding of Information Technology in the performance of work including Microsoft Windows OS, Adobe Acrobat and the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Deep understanding of industry-specific technical aspects.
  • Ability to identify and assess potential risks and opportunities.
  • Proficiency in negotiating with vendors and contractors.
  • Precision in preparing detailed estimates and reviewing project documents.
  • Strong knowledge of estimation and project management software.
  • Ability to supervise, train and mentor junior and intermediate estimators.
  • Skill in identifying and resolving issues that may impact project costs.

Qualifications

Formal Education Qualifications

  • Minimum Level 8 degree (or equivalent) in relevant subject area e.g., Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying is preferrable but not required.

Professional Memberships

Membership of a relevant professional organisation is preferable but not essential i.e. AACE International, Acoste, PMI, APM, SCSI / RICS, IEI or similar

Additional Information

What we offer you:

  • Full time
  • Hybrid working
  • Competitive remuneration and attractive range of benefits
  • Pension
  • 25 days Annual leave (23 days + 2 company days)
  • Opportunity to work on impactful and innovative projects
  • Career development opportunities both in Ireland and globally
  • Opportunity to work with a diverse group of talented and collaborative colleagues

For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.