Senior Estimator

Job Purpose

The Senior Estimator is responsible for the preparation of the competitive tenders and estimates for all types of building projects.  This will involve taking into account factors i.e. fabrication, materials, transportation and site labour / plant costs, etc.

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for pricing all activities, tender adjudication, submission documents, attending meetings with clients and obtaining feedback.

Key Responsibilities (max 10)

• Pricing of tenders within given parameters and working closely with our design, construction, contract and other departments with a view to maximising the financial benefit of Severfield  and giving clients a proactive pricing approach
• Progressing tender leads, preparing tender prequalification submissions
• Monitoring progress of tenders and prioritizing a tendering strategy based on commercial considerations
• Developing and maintaining commercial contacts with clients, engineers, clients representatives and assist with the marketing and selling function
• Renewing pre and past contract terms and conditions and ensuring same are properly established
• Developing and assisting in presentations to prospective customers
• In conjunction with other estimating staff ensure accuracy of and quality of “Take off” of material quantities from Architects/Engineers drawings
• Review tender documentation and submission requirements
• Production of accurate and comprehensive estimates for large or complex projects or programme in a timely and efficient manner
• Any other duties which may arise

Educational background required

At least GCSE’s in English, Maths and Science

Not necessarily required to be educated to degree level although this would be beneficial

HNC in construction or commercial background/qualification.

Job related experience required

10 years plus estimating/quantity surveying experience

Any other skills / knowledge required

Construction related degree or qualification would be preferable construction software such as Revit, AutoCAD, bluebeam and Tekla experience would be advantageous but not essential

Proficient in excel and word

Effective communicator with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

What are the specific Safety Responsibilities of this role? (a request from group SHE that we document this as part of this process)

Personal H&S awareness

Basic understanding of H&S policy and procedures.

Application of Knowledge – How the level of knowledge required for this role is applied / used within the role.  

The ability to read, interpret and understand complex and detailed architectural and structural drawings

Working on high value tenders – strong commercial awareness

Requirement to know how to interface with other departments such as design and the drawing office, project managers, production.

Requirement to know the cost implications and how long each department will take to do their part of the structure  -each project is different.

Need to extract as much information as possible to submit to a cost sheet. Requirement to be tactful with their approach.

Requirement to have a comprehensive understanding of the business – what and how we do what we do.

Prepares the tender document for director ready to submit. Effectively bid manager of the tender.

Bring the job as close as possible to conversion.

Problem Solving and Innovation – Describe the level of problem solving that the role requires and provide examples of why.

Responsibility to identify problems – requirement to be proactive in anticipating where problems could arise and draw on their knowledge and experience to bring forward a solution.

If something isn’t complete in order for things not to be delayed that would calculate themselves what it required.

Queries can come from estimators or from the client. Their escalation point for problems is a director. But they need to assist estimators with problems.

High level programming of the job, review the job and provide an estimate of time to construct. Relying on their knowledge and experience.

There is often a lack of clarity as to what is required, they would need to challenging/questioning other departments what is needed

Interaction – Briefly describe the nature of interaction that the role requires.

Interaction with internal and external stakeholders

Interaction with the client  – dependant on the size of the project, but typical tender they would be the face of the business and attend client meetings.

Interaction with the factory, design, drawing office, projects – dependant on where we are up to. Internally interaction at director and MD level at times.

The Senior estimator would Contribute to director reports which form part of Board Meetings

Complexity of the estimates means a wide ranging interaction

Impact – Briefly describe the level of Impact that the role requires.

Key impact is that they have to ensure what they are pricing is correct, if they don’t get it right then project can lose money, or if right can generate profit. Obligation to get it right.

A high level of accuracy is required  – if something goes wrong as a result of them could mean impact the rest of the project.

Required to maintain relations with the client at a senior level. Chase up with clients and keep communicating.

Need to contribute to the performance of the team. They set an example to the rest of the team. Act as mentor to more junior, less experienced members of the team.

Accountability

No direct reports – no line management responsibility

Delivering strategy but not setting it

Nature of the role has budget management but no departmental budgetary management.

Project delivery

Responsibility to adhere to deadlines

Accuracy with estimator and estimating manager.