Estimator Job Description
The Estimator will support the Commercial / Estimating department by preparing accurate, commercially sound and clearly evidenced tender estimates for solar PV projects. The role will involve reviewing drawings, specifications and site information, completing take-offs, obtaining supplier and subcontractor quotations, preparing Bills of Quantities and supporting tender submissions. The Estimator will work closely with commercial, procurement, design, project delivery and operational teams under the guidance of the Commercial Manager to help protect the business's commercial position and support consistent, compliant tendering practices.
- Prepare estimates for tender submissions using drawings, specifications, surveys, client requirements and site information.
- Carry out measured take-offs and assist with the preparation and checking of Bills of Quantities and pricing schedules.
- Review tender information and identify gaps, assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, risks and opportunities for review with the Commercial Manager.
- Request, review and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations for relevant packages of work, ensuring quotations are aligned to the tender scope.
- Research and analyse costs for materials, plant, labour, preliminaries and subcontracted works to support accurate pricing.
- Maintain clear estimating files and ensure tender information, take-offs, quotes and pricing assumptions are saved in the agreed filing structure.
- Liaise with project managers, procurement, commercial, design and operational teams to gather technical and delivery input required for tender pricing.
- Support the preparation of tender submissions, including pricing documents, assumptions, clarifications and handover information.
- Attend and contribute to bid/no-bid reviews, tender review meetings and handover meetings.
- Support the Commercial Manager with cost benchmarking.
- Conduct site visits with the wider commercial or operational team where required to understand project requirements and pricing risks.
- Ensure work is carried out in line with internal governance, approval processes, delegated authority and document control expectations.
Required:
- Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent experience in Quantity Surveying, Construction, Engineering, Electrical, Renewable Energy or a related discipline.
- Experience preparing estimates, quotations, cost plans or tender pricing within construction, M&E, renewables, electrical or a related technical environment.
- Strong numerical, analytical and commercial awareness.
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, scopes and technical information.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately to deadlines.
- Confident communication skills and ability to liaise with internal teams, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and confident working with pricing schedules and cost data.
- Organised approach to document control, version management and evidence-based pricing.
- Willingness to undertake site visits as required.
- Full UK driving license.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in solar PV, renewables, electrical contracting, construction or infrastructure estimating.
- Knowledge of NEC contract environments and the commercial impact of scope, assumptions and exclusions.
- Experience obtaining and comparing supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Awareness of CDM, health and safety, site access, preliminaries and logistics considerations within estimating.
