Estimator (Luxury Retail/Fit-outs)

Made Retail; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Made Retail in Dubai seeks an Estimator to prepare precise cost estimates, budgets, and quotations for luxury retail stores, pop-ups, podiums, and bespoke interior fit-out projects.

You will collaborate with the Managing Director, Project Managers, Technical Designers, Production, and Procurement to assess requirements, analyze drawings, calculate material and labor costs, and deliver competitive quotations from inquiry to execution. Strong Excel and CAD familiarity are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, or similar in interior fit-out, joinery, exhibitions, or luxury retail.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, layouts, elevations, and specs.
• Knowledge of supplier pricing, subcontractor costs, and UAE market standards.

Responsibilities

• Review briefs, drawings, specs, layouts to determine scope of work.
• Prepare cost estimates, budgets, and BOQs for joinery, fabrication, and fit-out works.
• Calculate material and labor costs, equipment, transport, and overheads.
• Prepare commercial proposals and ensure estimates align with pricing structures and margins.
• Coordinate with Designers, PMs, Production, and Procurement to verify requirements.
• Maintain cost records and update estimations with design changes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Numerical skills

Reading technical drawings

Excel proficiency

CAD familiarity

Project cost estimation

Education

Quantity Surveying / Civil/Mechanical Eng. / Interior Design

Tools

Excel

CAD software

Job description

About the job

Starting Date: ASAP

Company DescriptionMade Retail is a partner for global brands specializing in the design and manufacturing of pop-ups, counters, gondolas, exhibitions, and visual merchandising solutions. With production facilities in the UAE, Made Retail serves clients across GCC, North Africa, South Asia, and parts of Europe.

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Estimator to join our fast-paced and creative team in Dubai. This role is essential in preparing accurate cost estimates, budgets, and quotations for luxury retail stores, pop-ups, podiums, exhibitions, bespoke interior fit-out projects, and other custom production works.

The Estimator will work closely with the Managing Director, Project Managers, Technical Designers, Production Team, and Procurement Team to assess project requirements, analyze drawings and specifications, calculate material and labor costs, and prepare competitive and commercially viable quotations. This role plays a key part in ensuring cost accuracy, profitability, and efficient project planning from initial inquiry through to project execution.

Essential Technical Skills

Must know AutoCAD & SketchUp

Key Responsibilities

• Review project briefs, technical drawings, specifications, layouts, and bills of quantities to determine project requirements and scope of work.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates, budgets, and quotations for joinery, fabrication, fit-out works, exhibitions, retail displays, and bespoke production projects.
• Calculate quantities and costs of materials, labor, equipment, transportation, installation, subcontracting, and other project-related expenses.
• Prepare detailed bills of quantities (BOQs), material take-offs, and cost breakdowns based on project drawings and specifications.
• Request, collect, and evaluate quotations from suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers to obtain competitive pricing.
• Liaise with Technical Designers and Project Managers to clarify drawings, specifications, materials, finishes, and technical requirements before finalizing estimates.
• Coordinate with the Production Team to assess fabrication methods, labor requirements, production time, and technical feasibility.
• Verify material specifications, quantities, and pricing to ensure estimates are accurate and aligned with project requirements.
• Prepare commercial proposals and quotations in accordance with company pricing structures, profit margins, and client requirements.
• Ensure all direct and indirect costs, overheads, contingencies, and applicable expenses are properly considered in the estimation process.
• Review and revise estimates based on design changes, updated drawings, client feedback, and project scope variations.
• Identify potential cost-saving opportunities and propose alternative materials, fabrication methods, or solutions without compromising quality or design intent.
• Maintain an updated database of material costs, supplier quotations, labor rates, and subcontractor pricing.
• Assist in preparing variation orders, additional work quotations, and revised cost estimates when project requirements change.
• Follow up with the relevant teams to compare estimated costs against actual project costs and identify discrepancies.
• Maintain organized records of quotations, BOQs, cost calculations, supplier offers, and other estimation documents.
• Ensure all estimates are prepared accurately and submitted within the required deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality of company pricing, supplier quotations, cost structures, and commercial information.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience as an Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, Cost Estimator, or in a similar role within the interior fit-out, joinery, exhibition, events, luxury retail, or custom fabrication sectors.
• Strong understanding of materials, fabrication processes, joinery, finishes, installation requirements, and interior fit-out works.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, shop drawings, layouts, elevations, and project specifications.
• Experience in quantity take-offs, BOQ preparation, material costing, labor estimation, and quotation preparation.
• Good knowledge of supplier pricing, subcontractor costs, and procurement processes, preferably within the UAE market.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant estimation, CAD, or project management software.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to assess project requirements, identify cost risks, and prepare commercially competitive estimates.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills for working with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple quotations and deadlines in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate and confidential cost records.
• Knowledge of UAE market rates, local suppliers, and industry standards is highly desirable.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Additional certifications in Quantity Surveying, Cost Estimation, or Project Management are an advantage.
• Relevant hands-on experience in estimation, quantity surveying, joinery, fabrication, or interior fit-out may be considered in lieu of formal education.