Head of Estimating

Head of Estimating

Join the Team That Keeps the Nation Flowing!

Established in 2013, Sapphire Utility Solutions has quickly become the partner of choice for many clients across the UK in our chosen markets. As a Lanes Group company, we provide award winning services to the clean water, wastewater, gas, multi utilities and the highways sector. We are passionate about working alongside our client’s and partners to maintain the utility services essential to modern life throughout the UK.

As Head of Estimating, you will play a strategic leadership role, overseeing and developing a team of technical estimators, you will be responsible for the delivery of accurate, competitive and commercially viable bids and cost plans for a wide variety of projects predominantly within the Waste and Clean Water industry, delivering high value Term Service Contracts for a variety of blue chip clients within the Regulated Water sector.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Team Leadership & Development

Lead and manage a national estimating team, fostering high performance.

Provide mentorship, training, and performance management to drive success.

Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Estimating & Bid Management

Oversee preparation, validation, and submission of accurate estimates and competitive bids.

Review tender documentation for completeness and risk.

Independently verify pricing and identify improvement opportunities.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely with procurement to secure competitive quotes and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.

Contribute to contract negotiations and mitigate commercial risks.

Process & System Improvement

Drive enhancements in estimating tools, templates, and cost libraries.

Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety regulations, and management systems.

Post-Bid & Supply Chain Development

Participate in project reviews, handovers, and lessons-learned sessions.

Lead supplier feedback processes and strengthen supply chain reliability.

What We’re Looking For:

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’ll Get in Return

We believe in looking after our people. Here’s what you can expect:

25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

Life assurance and death-in-service benefits

Company car

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Strictly no agencies please