Major Projects Estimator

Overview of the role - Team / Projects / Key challenges

As an Major Projects Estimator, you will play a key role in delivering accurate and commercially competitive tenders for high-voltage infrastructure projects. This role requires proven experience estimating 33kV and 132kV schemes, with a strong background in large-scale civil engineering and utility projects.

You will be responsible for managing the tendering process from initial enquiry through to final submission, producing detailed cost plans, reviewing technical drawings and specifications, identifying project risks and opportunities, and supporting the successful delivery of major infrastructure schemes.

The successful candidate will be confident working on complex projects, collaborating with internal stakeholders, clients and supply chain partners to develop commercially sound and technically robust solutions.

Experience and Qualifications - Essential / Desirable

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complex tender opportunities from initial enquiry through to final submission.
• Prepare detailed estimates and cost plans for 33kV and 132kV electrical infrastructure projects, including significant civil engineering works.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation to produce accurate Bills of Quantities and pricing.
• Carry out detailed measurement, quantification and risk assessments for construction projects.
• Work closely with the Sales, Bid, Design, Procurement and Delivery teams to develop commercially competitive tender submissions.
• Identify commercial risks, value engineering opportunities and cost-saving initiatives throughout the tender process.
• Lead tender adjudication activities and produce commercial outputs to support bid approval.
• Assist in developing technical and commercial content for tender submissions.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Provide technical and commercial support during project handover and delivery where required.
• Analyse market conditions, supplier pricing and procurement opportunities to maximise commercial value.
• Attend client, supplier and project meetings across the UK when required.
• Continuously promote best practice across estimating and commercial activities.

Role Scope

This position offers a high level of autonomy and will act as the commercial lead during the pre-contract stage of major infrastructure projects.

Projects will typically include:

• 33kV and 132kV electrical infrastructure schemes.
• Large civil engineering and utility projects.
• High-profile customer connections and network reinforcement works.
• Multi-million-pound projects, typically valued up to and beyond £5 million.
• Long-term infrastructure programmes requiring strategic commercial planning.

The role will involve working closely with customers, Local Authorities, DNOs, IDNOs and other key stakeholders to develop commercially viable solutions while ensuring contractual and commercial risks are effectively managed.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 3-4 years' experience as an Estimator or Major Projects Estimator within the utilities, power or civil engineering sector.
• Proven experience estimating 33kV and/or 132kV electrical infrastructure projects.
• Strong tendering experience on large civil engineering and infrastructure schemes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications, producing accurate quantities and cost estimates.
• Experience preparing Bills of Quantities (BOQs), cost plans and commercial submissions.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, procurement strategies and commercial risk management.
• Knowledge of UK construction contracts and relevant legislation.
• Good understanding of CDM regulations, HSSE requirements and utility construction.
• Excellent analytical, commercial and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and estimating software.

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. - happy to look at experience
• Experience working with DNO or IDNO projects.
• Knowledge of SAP and project planning software.
• Understanding of HV and LV electrical distribution networks.
• Experience with value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leadership or mentoring experience.