Senior Estimator

Role overview

IPS is a global provider of consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, commissioning, qualification, and validation services for technically complex facilities, especially in the life sciences sector. The company is hiring a Senior Estimator to join its European team, with opportunities based in Dublin, Cork, Birmingham, Manchester, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Basel, or Milan.

This role is focused on leading the estimation process for large EPCMV projects in the pharmaceutical industry. The successful candidate will prepare precise cost projections for labour, materials, equipment, and other project expenses, while also helping project leaders and clients with reporting, budget analysis, and resource planning.

Core responsibilities

The position covers full-cycle estimating work from early bid preparation through to post-bid review. It includes reviewing tender information, developing cost models, assessing scope and risk, and working closely with internal teams and external vendors to build competitive and accurate pricing.

• Build detailed and reliable cost estimates for EPCMV projects in line with client expectations, specifications, and contract terms.
• Measure and analyse costs for materials, labour, equipment, and related project inputs.
• Prepare transparent cost summaries covering pre-bid and post-bid stages.
• Review design information, scope details, and construction approaches to shape cost-effective solutions.
• Examine tender documents, drawings, and technical specifications to understand bid requirements.
• Create bid packages, scope definitions, and bid comparison documents.
• Work with project teams to assess risks, timelines, financial impacts, and potential cost reductions.
• Evaluate project risks tied to budgets, schedules, client expectations, and delivery.
• Develop mitigation approaches for procurement, design changes, and resource planning challenges.
• Coordinate with suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors to secure pricing and validate quotations.
• Monitor project costs against estimates and explain variances with corrective actions where needed.
• Keep cost reports current and consistent to support management decisions and profitability.
• Partner with project managers, engineers, construction teams, senior leadership, and clients to align estimates with project delivery.
• Contribute to project scheduling so that estimating inputs match the programme.
• Take part in post-bid discussions to compare final estimates with actual outcomes and improve future methods.
• Guide and develop junior estimators and review their work to maintain quality and accuracy.
• Use estimating software, spreadsheets, and databases to manage project data and prepare bids efficiently.

Requirements

The role calls for a strong background in estimating for EPCMV and related construction environments, along with technical knowledge across major building and services disciplines. Candidates should be confident working with complex cost data, contracts, and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 5 to 10 years of estimating experience in the EPCMV sector, including at least 3 years in a senior capacity.
• Solid understanding of construction, procurement, project management, and the EPCMV project lifecycle.
• Working knowledge of construction, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection services.
• Demonstrated experience creating budgets, pricing, and cost estimates for large construction or maintenance projects.
• Strong command of cost-estimating methods and familiarity with international standards.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, negotiation, and communication abilities.
• Experience with tools such as Procore, Excel, or similar estimating software.
• Strong grasp of construction methods, materials, and contract terms.
• Ability to solve cost issues, stay organized, manage detail, and work effectively under pressure.
• Leadership and mentoring ability, with a team-focused working style.
• Desirable: professional accreditation such as SCSI, RICS, AACE, or similar.
• Desirable: familiarity with standards such as NEC, RIAI, or equivalent local project management standards.
• Desirable: experience on international or large-scale projects in sectors such as pharmaceutical, energy, or infrastructure.

Additional information

Interviews may be conducted either face-to-face or virtually, and video participation is required for virtual interviews.

About the employer

IPS is a Berkshire Hathaway company and a global specialist in technical consulting, architecture, engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, qualification, and validation for complex facilities. Its approach is centered on integration: combining existing and emerging technologies to deliver reliable outcomes and faster time to market. The organization emphasizes partnership, curiosity, and end-to-end thinking across every project.

Equal opportunity statement

All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, marital status, citizenship status, or any other legally protected status. IPS states that it is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Specialties

Process Architecture, Process Design, Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Qualification, LEAN Project Delivery, Strategic Master Planning, Energy Conservation Management, Project Controls, Program/Project Management, Operations/Logistics Strategy and Planning, EPCMV, and Staffing Services.

General application note

Candidates who do not meet the requirements for this role may still submit their profile for broader consideration.