Head of Estimating

The Lanes Group are the UK's largest independent provider of water and wastewater solutions and services, we play a vital role in always maintaining the seamless operations of the nation's water systems.

Formed in 1992, our half a billion-pound turnover ensures continued expansion for market share. Our key differentiator is our 4000+ staff and our resource pool that includes the most innovative fleet, plant, and equipment the market has to offer.

We are the UK's largest end to end drainage solution provider with depots strategically located across the UK from Aberdeen to Plymouth, to ensure round the clock coverage for customers and clients alike.

About the Role:

As Head of Estimating, you will play a strategic leadership role, overseeing and developing a team of technical estimators responsible for site visits, asset tagging, condition reporting, and producing technical quotations.

You will ensure the delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially viable bids and cost plans for a wide variety of projects.

You will be responsible for shaping estimating strategy, collaborating with internal teams and external partners, and driving consistency and innovation across all estimating activity.

What you will be responsible for:

• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing national estimating team.
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance management to ensure departmental success.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the preparation, validation, and submission of high-quality estimates and competitive bids.
• Review and analyse tender documentation for completeness and risk.
• Support quantity take-offs and apply first principles estimating where applicable.
• Independently review and verify pricing submitted by others, identifying areas for
• improvement.
• Work closely with procurement to secure market-competitive quotes and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with operational teams to develop bid strategies and methodologies aligned with project requirements.
• Participate in project reviews, handovers, and post-bid assessments to capture lessons learned.
• Develop strong relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Contribute to contract negotiations and ensure commercial risks are identified and mitigated.
• Lead supplier feedback processes and work closely with procurement to build a robust and reliable supply chain.
• Drive improvements in estimating tools, templates, and systems, including the development of cost libraries.
• Ensure all estimating activities comply with company policies, health and safety regulations, and management systems.
• Assist in refining internal procedures for estimating and procurement processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior estimating role within Utilities or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of asset lifecycle, condition reporting, and technical surveying.
• Track record of delivering multidisciplinary infrastructure tenders from conception to
• completion.
• Proficiency in estimating software, cost planning tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working with national frameworks and large-scale projects.

What you will get in return:

In joining the Lanes Group, the UK's largest independent provider we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises the well-being, growth, and safety of our employees. Through continuous training, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values every individual's unique contribution, we empower our team to uphold the highest standards of integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity.

What we offer:

• 24 Days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Death in service
• Company car/car allowance

This position is open to Internal and External candidates.  Any internal candidates currently employed within a division of the Lanes Group must complete an Internal Application form and submit to recruitment.

The Lanes Group plc comprises of a range of established service providers subsidiaries, which complement the specialist service of Lanes, by both work type and geography. Increasing our overall capability, assets and offering to our customers.

Lanes Drainage Services

Lanes I 

SUS  

Clearflow 

AQS 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under-represented members of the community.

Strictly no agencies please