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