Lead Estimator

Lead Estimator
Location: Warwick (with travel to project sites across the East Coast & North)
Contract Length: 6 months (possible Extension)
Day Rate: £580 per day (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)

Shape the Future of the UK's Clean Energy Transition

We're recruiting on behalf of a major UK energy organisation delivering a growing portfolio of hydrogen and new-energy projects, including two newly approved FEED programmes on the East Coast and in the North. These are early-stage, strategically important schemes that will play a central role in the UK's industrial decarbonisation journey.

With the programme rapidly expanding, we are seeking a credible, polished Lead Estimator to act as the subject matter expert for cost estimation across the hydrogen portfolio. This is an opportunity to step into a high-visibility role with meaningful impact, supporting a fast-moving, innovative business area on the rise.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce robust, defendable estimates for FEED and conceptual-stage projects.
• Apply structured estimating methodologies, cost build-ups, benchmarking and change control.
• Ensure estimating discipline is upheld in an environment where scope can shift quickly.
• Provide leadership, challenge and guidance on estimating best practice.
• Support the existing estimator, offering senior oversight and professional steer where required.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex cost questions and assumptions.
• Present cost positions confidently to senior leaders, engineering partners and government/regulatory bodies.
• Communicate assumptions, risks and uncertainties clearly and concisely - often in executive-ready bullet points.
• Represent the estimating function in cross-functional reviews, risk sessions and decision forums.
• Maintain high standards of governance, documentation and auditability.
• Ensure cost, schedule and risk information stays aligned as the programme evolves.
• Help shape a developing function as hydrogen moves towards becoming a major future business unit.

Skills & Experience We're Looking For

• Strong background in cost estimating within utilities, construction, EPC or major infrastructure.
• Clear understanding of estimating principles, cost build-up, risk adjustment, and change control.
• Confident communicator with a professional presence, able to engage senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to explain complex estimating methodology simply and directly.
• Experience supporting or guiding junior estimators or peers (formal line management not required).
• Willingness to travel to Birmingham, Warwick and project/partner locations as needed.
• Experience with early-stage or conceptual estimating.
• Exposure to large-scale energy, decarbonisation, hydrogen or industrial projects (not essential).
• Comfort working in fast-paced, innovative project environments with evolving scope.

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for any future suitable vacancies and contact you accordingly.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

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