Senior Estimator .

A leading multidisciplinary construction and infrastructure business, operating across large-scale building and civils projects, is seeking to appoint a Senior Estimator for its Johannesburg-based business unit. The business is recognised for delivering complex, high-value projects across the built environment and is focused on competitive tendering, accurate cost planning, and commercially driven bid strategies to secure sustainable project growth. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for preparing accurate, competitive, and risk-aware estimates across major tenders, ensuring alignment between pricing strategy, execution capability, and commercial objectives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Tendering & Cost Estimation:

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for large-scale building and civils projects
• Analyse tender documentati
• n, drawings, and specifications to develop complete BOQs and pricing models
• Compile full cost breakdowns including labour, materials, plant, subcontractors, and preliminaries
• Ensure all estimates are aligned with current market rates and internal benchmarks
• Prepare and submit competitive tender pricing within strict deadlines

Commercial & Bid Strategy:

• Develop and support competitive tender strategies with commercial and operational teams
• Identify value engineering opportunities to improve bid competitiveness
• Assess commercial and execution risks within tender submissions
• Support adjudication processes and pricing approvals
• Contribute to win strategy development for key bids

Subcontractor & Supplier Engagement:

• Source, evaluate, and adjudicate subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Maintain and develop a database of current market rates and supplier pricing
• Engage with the supply chain to ensure accurate and competitive pricing input
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms where required

Risk, Compliance & Governance:

• Identify and evaluate commercial, contractual, and operational risks in tenders
• Ensure compliance with tender requirements, specifications, and conditions
• Incorporate appropriate risk allowances and contingencies into pricing
• Support governance processes for bid approval

Collaboration & Project Handover:

• Work closely with project managers, planners, and commercial teams during tender stage
• Ensure smooth handover from estimating to project execution teams
• Provide post-tender clarifications and support during negotiations
• Maintain continuity of estimating assumptions through to delivery

Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement:

• Monitor market trends, pricing movements, and competitor activity
• Contribute to improvements in estimating systems and tools
• Support refinement of cost databases and benchmarking models
• Continuously improve estimating accuracy and efficiency

Minimum Requirements:

• 5–10 years’ experience in estimating within the construction or civils environment
• Strong experience on large-scale building and infrastructure projects
• Proven track record of preparing competitive, high-value tenders
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, cost structures, and market rates
• Proficiency in estimating software and advanced Excel
• Strong numerical, analytical, and commercial capability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to perform under pressure in a deadline-driven environment
• Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field (preferred)