Estimation Manager - Dewatering & Specialist Pumping

Arabian Equipment; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Arabian Equipment Rental LLC (AER) seeks an experienced Estimation Manager to lead the estimation and tendering function for dewatering, groundwater control, overpumping and specialist pumping projects in the UAE. The role includes managing the estimation team, preparing accurate tenders, assessing technical and commercial risks, and ensuring pricing reflects market costs and profitability.

The successful candidate will review drawings, BOQs, and project data, coordinate with sales and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years' relevant experience including estimation team management.
• Experience in dewatering, groundwater control or temporary pumping tenders.
• Proficiency in Excel, estimation software and ERP systems; working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to assess project risks.

Responsibilities

• Lead Estimation and Tender Management, prioritise enquiries and ensure timely submissions.
• Review tenders for technical suitability, viability, resources and profitability.
• Maintain standard estimation procedures, pricing templates and records.
• Coordinate with sales, engineering, operations and management throughout the tender process.
• Review drawings, BOQs, geotechnical data and project programmes for costing.
• Develop and cost dewatering and pumping solutions; cover all cost elements.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Excel

Estimation software

ERP systems

AutoCAD

Job description

Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Position Overview

Arabian Equipment Rental LLC (AER) is seeking an experienced Estimation Manager to lead the estimation and tendering function for dewatering, groundwater control, overpumping and specialist pumping projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the estimation team, preparing accurate and competitive tenders, assessing technical and commercial risks, and ensuring project pricing reflects current market costs, available resources and sustainable profitability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Estimation and Tender Management

• Lead the estimation team, prioritise enquiries and ensure accurate, timely tender submissions.
• Review tender opportunities for technical suitability, commercial viability, resource availability and profitability.
• Maintain standardised estimation procedures, pricing templates and tender records.
• Coordinate with sales, engineering, operations and management throughout the tender process.

2. Technical Review and Project Costing

• Review drawings, specifications, BOQs, geotechnical reports and project programmes.
• Assess groundwater conditions, site constraints, discharge requirements and project risks.
• Develop and cost solutions for wellpoint and deep-well dewatering, overpumping, bypass pumping, high-pressure pumping and flushing.
• Prepare detailed estimates covering equipment, installation, manpower, materials, fuel, power, operation, maintenance and demobilisation.
• Ensure estimates reflect realistic operating assumptions, project durations, contingencies and target margins.

3. Procurement and Equipment Coordination

• Obtain and evaluate current supplier and subcontractor quotations, ensuring historical costs are verified against prevailing market rates.
• Coordinate with operations and procurement to confirm fleet availability, equipment requirements and mobilisation schedules.
• Identify cross-hire requirements, equipment shortfalls, additional capital needs and associated costs.
• Maintain updated cost databases, supplier rates and productivity benchmarks.

4. Commercial Review and Risk Management

• Review contractual terms, payment conditions, project liabilities and commercial risks.
• Identify exposure relating to fixed-price contracts, fuel escalation, project delays, variations, standby periods and performance obligations.
• Clearly document tender assumptions, exclusions, client responsibilities and potential cost risks.
• Ensure major tenders undergo technical and commercial review, with management approval before final submission.

5. Tender Negotiation and Project Handover

• Prepare technical and commercial proposals and participate in client clarifications and negotiations.
• Support value engineering and competitive pricing without compromising project profitability.
• Conduct formal handovers of awarded projects, including approved budgets, scope, equipment allowances and identified risks.
• Review estimated versus actual project costs and margins to improve future estimation accuracy.

6. Reporting and Team Development

• Monitor tender submissions, award rates, estimated margins and overall tender performance.
• Develop the estimation team and improve estimating processes and turnaround times.
• Support ERP implementation for estimation, tender tracking and project budgeting.
• Ensure tenders comply with relevant client, authority, environmental, quality and HSE requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 10 years' relevant experience, including estimation team management.
• Strong experience in dewatering, groundwater control or temporary pumping tenders, preferably within the UAE/GCC.
• Sound knowledge of pumping systems, installation methodologies, equipment costing and construction contracts.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills and ability to assess project risks.
• Proficiency in Excel, estimation software and ERP systems, with working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Proven leadership, organisational and communication skills.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely submission of accurate and compliant tenders.
• Achievement of approved project margin targets.
• Accuracy of estimated versus actual project costs.
• Tender conversion rates and profitable contract awards.
• Effective identification and management of commercial risks.
• Quality of project handovers and maintenance of current cost databases.
• Estimation team performance and continuous process improvement