Head of Estimating

Lanes Group plc is a leading nationwide utility services provider with c.5000 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £650 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth. Department: Sapphire Utility Solutions, a Lanes Group Company specialise in multiple divisions. Commercial works closely with operational, delivery, and support teams across the business, providing commercial oversight, contract management, financial control, and strategic guidance to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, profitably, and in line with contractual obligations. The team is responsible for protecting and enhancing business value through effective cost management, risk mitigation, procurement support, and stakeholder engagement. By driving commercial best practice and informed decision-making, they help maximise project performance, support sustainable growth, and ensure the business delivers outstanding outcomes for customers and partners. Purpose of the role: As Head of Estimating, you will provide strategic leadership to the Estimating function, ensuring the delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially robust estimates and bids across a diverse portfolio of projects within the Clean Water and Wastewater sectors, delivering Capital, Rehab and R&M Frameworks and Projects Leading the estimating function, you will drive consistency, continuous improvement, and best practice across estimating activities, supporting the successful delivery of high-value term service contracts and frameworks for major regulated water industry clients. This role plays a critical part in securing sustainable growth, managing commercial risk, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and governance throughout the bid lifecycle. Location: Flexible – UK Wide This role can be based anywhere across the UK, with travel to operational sites and offices as required. Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Development Lead, manage, and develop a national estimating team, creating a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management to support individual and team development. Establish and maintain estimating standards, processes, and best practices across the business. Promote a positive, safety-first culture aligned with company values and objectives. Estimating & Commercial Management Oversee the preparation, review, validation, and submission of accurate and commercially competitive estimates, tenders, and cost plans. Ensure all bids are aligned with business objectives, client requirements, and agreed commercial strategies. Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings, and contractual requirements to identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions. Challenge and validate pricing methodologies, assumptions, and cost build-ups to ensure consistency and competitiveness. Support contract negotiations and provide commercial guidance during bid clarification and award stages. Stakeholder & Client Engagement Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, framework partners, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers. Work collaboratively with operational, commercial, procurement, and business development teams to develop winning bid strategies. Act as a key technical and commercial advisor throughout the bid process. Represent the business at client meetings, tender interviews, and industry events where required. Supply Chain & Procurement Work closely with procurement teams to secure competitive supply chain pricing and identify cost-saving opportunities. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors to enhance bid competitiveness and delivery confidence. Drive supplier performance reviews and feedback processes to strengthen supply chain capability. Process Improvement & Governance Lead the continuous improvement of estimating tools, systems, templates, and cost databases. Analyse estimating performance, bid success rates, and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement. Ensure compliance with company policies, governance requirements, quality standards, and health and safety procedures. Support the implementation of digital tools and innovative approaches to improve efficiency and accuracy. Post-Tender & Project Support Support project handovers to operational and delivery teams, ensuring a smooth transition from bid to execution. Participate in post-tender reviews, lessons learned sessions, and commercial performance reviews. Ensure estimating knowledge and intelligence are captured and shared across the business. Key Requirements: Essential Proven experience leading estimating teams within the water, utilities, infrastructure, construction, or civil engineering sectors. Strong understanding of estimating, cost planning, bid management, and commercial risk. Experience delivering complex tenders, framework bids, and major project estimates. Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills. Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficient in estimating software, cost databases, and Microsoft Office. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally. Desirable Experience within the regulated water industry, including AMP programmes and Term Service Contracts. Knowledge of Clean Water and Wastewater infrastructure projects. Understanding of NEC contracts and framework-based delivery models. Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline and/or membership of a professional body (e.g. RICS, CIOB, CIWEM, ICES). Experience implementing estimating systems, process improvements, and digital tools. Knowledge of value engineering, benchmarking, and whole-life costing principles. Living the Company Values By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of ‘improving today for a better tomorrow’. Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations; this role holder is expected to: Leading : Acts as a role model, shaping the learning agenda and influencing change. Agile : Anticipates learning needs, adjusts quickly to changing operational contexts. Nurturing : Supports the development of others through coaching and structured development plans. Engaging : Inspires and motivates learners, builds trust and credibility Safe & Secure: Ensures all learning is aligned to safety and compliance standards. Your Contribution to the company: Strive to be always positive and constructive Adhere to all company policies Straight talking about the facts of the situation – open discussions are the best way to find solutions Help others through communicating clearly Deliver on commitments Ensure that any ideas that may enhance the productivity or systems of the company are brought to the attention of Senior Management, or your colleagues Deliver our Company Values understanding that by working together in unity we are ‘Stronger Together’ Equality, Diversion & Inclusion At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse world.