Estimator / Cost Planning Manager - Manchester
Salary: Up to £75,000 + package
The Estimator / Cost Planning Manager plays a pivotal commercial role, leading pre‑construction cost planning, shaping bid strategy, driving value engineering and managing commercial risk on major tenders. You'll act as a key commercial voice in client negotiations and a trusted liaison with external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Planning
Develop and utilise preferred cost‑planning software and tools
Take off quantities using Bovis measurement software
Work with the commercial team to secure market prices and benchmark against cost plan allowances
Prepare and analyse preliminaries for Stage 1 and Stage 2 bids
Integrate programme, methodology, phasing and buildability into cost plans
Quantify and price cost plans from feasibility through to contract award
Build rates from first principles (desirable)
Forecast trade inflation accurately
Manage external consultants (EQ BoQ Consultancy) from appointment to quality control
Assess subcontractor proposals
Prepare design fees with Design Manager support
Produce tender documentation and cost plan commentary
Provide commercial inputs to Bid Managers for written tender responses
Clearly document scope, assumptions and pricing throughout all stages
Design & Cost Control
Support project teams with change control and major variations
Ensure design development aligns with cost plan assumptions, briefs, target metrics and benchmarks
Bidding & Strategy
Lead or support bids depending on project scale
Ensure cost plans comply with brief, authority, financier and client requirements
Data & Analytics
Support updates to design and cost KPIs
Maintain benchmarking data across cost, design and programme
Contribute to best practice, standards, knowledge bases and sector benchmarks
Produce written narratives explaining insights and cost plan justification
Credentials
Valid CSCS card
Working towards or holding MRICS / MCIOB
Essential Skills
Team influence and leadership
Ability to read drawings and construction information
Data analytics capability including PowerBI
Document control proficiency
Negotiation and presentation skills
Problem‑solving and process compliance
Quantity take‑off
Strong commercial acumen
Tendering medium-high value subcontract packages
Time management and prioritisation
Value engineering capability
Strong written and verbal communication
Essential Knowledge
Value engineering within the design process
Allocation of scope to trade packages
Ability to produce detailed prelim forecasts
Understanding of cost planning procedures and reporting tools
Knowledge of procurement routes and RIBA design processes
Essential Experience
Experience across Stage 1 and Stage 2 bid phases
Reviewing subcontractor tender offers and commercial analysis
Building inflation models and calculations
Coordinating multiple trade packages into a master cost plan / BoQ
Managing internal resources to meet deliverables
Preparing cost plans across RIBA stages
Presenting to stakeholders
Using benchmarking data for reviews and client presentations
Behaviours
Flexible, open and collaborative
High attention to detail and thoroughness
Analytical thinker
Takes ownership of reporting and key templates
Provides constructive challenge and feedback
What We Provide
Car allowance
Flexible & hybrid working
Up to 10% employer pension contribution
Private medical cover
Life assurance
25 days annual leave with buy/sell options
3 wellbeing days
Health & wellbeing initiatives
24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Discounted access to 2,500+ gyms nationwide
