Job Description – Estimation Fit-Out Engineer
1. Job Purpose
The Estimation Fit-Out Engineer is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates, BOQs, quotations, and tender submissions for interior fit-out projects. The role involves reviewing drawings and specifications, conducting quantity take-offs, obtaining and evaluating supplier/subcontractor quotations, analyzing project costs, and ensuring that all commercial submissions are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Tender & Drawing Review Review tender documents, architectural drawings, specifications, BOQs, and project requirements. Identify the scope of work, exclusions, assumptions, and potential commercial risks. Review architectural, interior design, MEP, structural, and coordination drawings as required. Raise technical and commercial queries and obtain clarification from clients/consultants. Ensure all tender requirements are fully considered before submission.
- Quantity Take-Off & BOQ Prepare detailed quantity take-offs from drawings and specifications. Develop and verify BOQs for fit-out works. Measure quantities for civil, architectural, and interior fit-out works. Prepare quantities for partitions, ceilings, flooring, wall finishes, joinery, doors, painting, glass works, and other fit-out elements. Coordinate quantities with MEP and other associated trades where applicable. Ensure accuracy and consistency between drawings, BOQs, and estimates.
- Cost Estimation Prepare detailed cost estimates based on project scope, specifications, quantities, and current market rates. Calculate material, manpower, equipment, subcontractor, logistics, and other project-related costs. Analyze labor productivity and material consumption. Develop unit rates and build-up rates for various fit-out activities. Incorporate wastage, overheads, contingency, and required profit margins in accordance with company guidelines. Identify cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities.
- Supplier & Subcontractor Management Prepare RFQs and obtain quotations from suppliers and subcontractors. Evaluate and compare supplier/subcontractor quotations technically and commercially. Negotiate rates and commercial terms where required. Verify quotations against project specifications and scope. Maintain an updated database of supplier, subcontractor, material, and labor rates.
- Tender Submission Prepare commercial proposals and tender pricing in accordance with company procedures. Compile complete estimation files, including BOQs, rate analysis, quotations, assumptions, exclusions, and supporting documents. Ensure tender submissions are commercially competitive while maintaining acceptable margins. Review final pricing with the Estimation Manager before submission. Ensure tenders are submitted accurately and within the required deadlines.
- Post-Tender Activities Assist in responding to client/consultant commercial queries and clarifications. Review tender revisions, addenda, and variation requirements. Revise estimates based on changes in drawings, specifications, or scope. Support the commercial and project teams during negotiations and handover. Provide a proper estimation handover to the project/commercial team after award.
- Coordination Coordinate closely with Design, Engineering, Procurement, Projects, Production, and Commercial teams. Work with architects, designers, consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors when required. Participate in tender review and project handover meetings. Ensure technical and commercial information is properly communicated to relevant departments.
3. Key Fit-Out Scope
The Estimation Fit-Out Engineer should have good knowledge of estimating the following works:
- Interior fit-out and refurbishment
- Drywall and partition systems
- Suspended and decorative ceilings
- Flooring and wall finishes
- Painting and decorative finishes
- Joinery and custom furniture
- Doors and ironmongery
- Glass and glazing works
- Aluminum works
- Metal and architectural works
- Kitchen and pantry fit-out
- Washroom finishes and accessories
- FF&E, where applicable
- MEP-related fit-out interfaces
- Temporary works and site requirements
- Mobilization, logistics, and installation costs
4. Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline. Relevant professional certification in Quantity Surveying or Cost Estimation is an advantage.
5. Experience
3–7 years of relevant experience in estimation and quantity surveying for interior fit-out projects. UAE/GCC experience is preferred. Strong experience in preparing BOQs, quantity take-offs, rate analysis, and commercial tender submissions. Experience with commercial, residential, hospitality, retail, office, or similar fit-out projects is preferred.
6. Technical Skills
Excellent knowledge of fit-out construction methods and materials. Strong knowledge of construction drawings and specifications. Proficient in Auto CAD for drawing review and quantity take-off. Strong MS Excel skills, including formulas, costing, rate analysis, and pricing. Familiarity with estimation/QS software is an advantage. Ability to analyze supplier and subcontractor quotations. Strong understanding of material and labor cost calculations. Good knowledge of UAE construction practices and market rates
7. Behavioral & Core Competencies
Strong numerical and analytical skills. High attention to detail and accuracy. Strong commercial awareness. Excellent time-management and organizational skills. Ability to work under tight tender deadlines. Strong negotiation and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously. Proactive approach to identifying cost risks and opportunities. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. High level of integrity and confidentiality
8. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Estimation Accuracy – Accuracy of quantities, rates, and final project cost. Tender Submission Timeliness – Percentage of tenders submitted within deadlines. Tender Conversion Rate – Success rate of submitted tenders. Cost Competitiveness – Ability to achieve competitive pricing while protecting required margins. Quotation & BOQ Quality – Accuracy, completeness, and compliance of estimation submissions.