Estimator

LOOTAH HOLDING; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

LOOTAH HOLDING is seeking an Estimator for interior fit-out projects in Dubai. You will analyze architectural drawings, quantify materials, and negotiate with suppliers to ensure bids are commercially viable.

The role supports pre-construction, from tender analysis to risk assessment and handover planning. Responsibilities include detailed take-offs, cost sheets, bid comparisons, and value engineering to keep projects profitable while honoring design intent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• 3 years of Estimator experience in interior fit-out sector.
• Strong analytical and commercial mindset under tight tender deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review tender documents, drawings and MEP specs to define scope.
• Perform detailed material take-offs and measurements from drawings.
• Build cost sheets covering labor, materials, equipment and overheads.
• Identify and vet suppliers/subcontractors for specialized works.
• Issue RFQs and compare bids technically and commercially.
• Negotiate pricing and lead times with vendors.
• Prepare the commercial section of tenders and explore value engineering.
• Identify risks and mitigation plans; support pre-construction handover.

Skills

PlanSwift

Bluebeam

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Blueprint literacy

Tender analysis

Market knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying

Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Tools

PlanSwift

Bluebeam

AutoCAD

Job description

The Estimator is responsible for providing accurate and competitive cost estimates for interior fit-out projects This role involves analyzing architectural drawings quantifying materials and negotiating with suppliers to ensure every bid is commercially viable The Estimator plays a pivotal role in the pre-construction phase directly influencing the company s ability to secure profitable contracts

Key Responsibilities

• Quantity Surveying CostingTender Analysis Review tender documents architectural drawings and MEP specifications to understand the full scope of work
• Take-offs Perform detailed material take-offs and measurements from digital and physical drawings
• Pricing Build comprehensive cost sheets including labor materials equipment and overheads for partitions flooring ceilings and joinery
• 2 Procurement Subcontractor ManagementSourcing Identify and vet reliable suppliers and subcontractors for specialized fit-out works e g bespoke furniture glass works or MEP
• Quotation Review Issue RFQs Request for Quotations and perform technical and commercial comparisons of received bids
• Negotiation Negotiate with vendors to secure the best pricing and lead times without compromising on quality
• 3 Proposal DevelopmentTechnical Bids Prepare the commercial section of the tender proposal ensuring all exclusions and inclusions are clearly defined Value Engineering Identify cost-saving alternatives and innovative solutions to make bids more competitive while meeting the client s design intent
• Risk Assessment Identify potential commercial risks or ambiguities in the tender documents and suggest mitigation strategies
• 4 Handover AnalysisOperational Handover Once a project is won conduct a detailed briefing with the Project and Operations teams to ensure they understand the estimated budget and margins Post-Project Review Compare actual project costs against initial estimates to improve the accuracy of future bids

Technical Requirements

• Skills strong Software Proficiency Expert knowledge of PlanSwift Bluebeam or AutoCAD for digital take-offs Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are mandatory
• Blueprint Literacy Ability to read and interpret complex architectural interior design and MEP drawings
• Market Knowledge Deep understanding of current market rates for materials and labor within the local fit-out industry
• Attention to Detail Precision-oriented mindset to ensure no hidden costs or scope items are missed

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Experience: 3 years of experience as an Estimator specifically within the Interior Fit-Out sector.
• Attributes: Strong analytical skills, a commercial mindset, and the ability to work under pressure to meet strict tender deadlines.