Prefab Estimation Engineer

AL BADDAD CAPITAL LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AL BADDAD CAPITAL LLC in Dubai seeks a qualified Estimator with strong expertise in prefab and modular construction. The role covers cost estimation, QTO, tendering, and commercial activities for complex modular projects in the UAE.

You will prepare detailed cost breakdowns, evaluate supplier quotes, and drive value engineering to optimize project budgets. Applicants should have at least 5 years in UAE estimation, strong MS Excel skills, and a solid understanding of BOQs, design/tender

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of UAE experience in estimation, tendering, costing and commercial activities.
• Strong experience in Prefab, Modular Buildings, Portable Buildings, or Off-Site Construction.
• Experience in estimating complete modular projects from design/tender stage through execution and final commercial close-out.
• Knowledge of UAE construction standards, market rates, suppliers and material pricing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for prefab and modular building projects based on drawings, specifications, BOQs, scope of work and project requirements.
• Conduct detailed Quantity Take-Off for structural, architectural, finishing, MEP and other components.
• Review tender documents and prepare Commercial and Technical Compliance/Response Schedules.
• Develop project budgets and monitor costs against approved budgets.
• Review procurement and subcontractor quotations; prepare variations and change orders.
• Support commercial negotiations and tender presentations with cost analysis and risk assessment.
• Coordinate with Design, Procurement, Production, Site and Project teams on cost implications of decisions.

Skills

Estimation & Costing

Quantity Take-Off

BOQ & Rate Analysis

Tendering & Bid Management

Prefab & Modular Construction

Commercial Management

Value Engineering

Cost Control

Variations & Claims

Supplier/Subcontractor Evaluation

Contract & Tender Review

Financial & Commercial Analysis

Project Coordination

Risk Analysis

Negotiation

Advanced MS Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related engineering/construction discipline

Tools

MS Excel

Estimation software

ERP systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

1. Estimation & Costing

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for Prefab and Modular Building projects based on drawings, specifications, BOQs, scope of work, and project requirements.

• Conduct detailed Quantity Take-Off (QTO) for structural, architectural, finishing, MEP, and other project components.

• Analyze project requirements, design complexity, materials, labor, manufacturing, transportation, installation, site works, and other associated costs.

• Prepare detailed cost breakdowns covering materials, labor, subcontractors, equipment, logistics, overheads, and other project-related costs.

• Obtain, evaluate, and compare quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.

• Maintain an updated database of material costs, supplier rates, subcontractor rates, labor rates, and market prices.

• Review historical project costs and market trends to improve the accuracy and competitiveness of future estimates.

2. Prefab & Modular Building Expertise

• Develop estimates for modular building components including, where applicable:

  • Steel and structural systems

  • Sandwich panels and cladding

  • Roofing systems

  • Doors and windows

  • Flooring and ceiling systems

  • Internal and external finishes

  • Electrical systems

  • Plumbing and sanitary works

  • HVAC systems

  • Fire protection systems

  • Fixtures, fittings, and other modular building components

• Understand the relationship between factory manufacturing costs, transportation, erection/installation, site works, and final project costs.

• Review proposed construction methods and product selections from a cost and buildability perspective.

• Identify opportunities to optimize modular design, materials, manufacturing methods, and installation processes.

3. Tendering & Commercial Activities

• Review tender documents, drawings, specifications, BOQs, commercial conditions, and contract requirements.

• Identify discrepancies, exclusions, assumptions, risks, and commercial exposures in tender documents.

• Prepare and submit RFQs to suppliers and subcontractors and follow up on commercial quotations.

• Prepare Commercial and Technical Compliance/Response Schedules required for tender submissions.

• Raise RFIs (Requests for Information) to clarify technical, commercial, and contractual requirements.

• Prepare tender clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, assumptions, and commercial notes.

• Conduct tender comparison and analysis and recommend suitable suppliers/subcontractors.

• Support commercial negotiations with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.

• Prepare tender presentations for Senior Management, including cost analysis, pricing strategy, risk analysis, exclusions, assumptions, and commercial recommendations.

4. Budgeting & Value Engineering

• Develop project budgets based on approved estimates and project requirements.

• Monitor project costs against approved budgets and identify potential cost overruns.

• Conduct Value Engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality, functionality, safety, or project requirements.

• Evaluate alternative materials, suppliers, systems, and construction methods from both technical and commercial perspectives.

• Provide recommendations to Engineering and Project Management teams regarding cost-effective solutions.

5. Post-Award Commercial & Cost Control

• Support the project team in monitoring project costs against the approved budget.

• Review procurement commitments, subcontractor costs, material costs, and project expenditures.

• Prepare and evaluate Variations, Change Orders, and Additional Works.

• Assess the cost impact of design changes, scope changes, material substitutions, and site instructions.

• Prepare and support Progress Valuations / Payment Applications in coordination with the Project Manager and QS team.

• Identify and report cost and program implications to the Project Manager and relevant stakeholders.

• Assist in maintaining accurate project cost reports and commercial records.

6. Fit-Out & Project Support

• Support the project team during the fit-out and finishing stages to ensure works remain within the approved budget and project schedule.

• Review drawings and specifications related to fit-out and finishing works.

• Assess buildability, material selection, and alternative solutions from a cost and technical perspective.

• Coordinate with Design, Procurement, Production, Site, and Project teams regarding cost implications of technical decisions and changes.

• Attend site meetings and coordinate with subcontractors when required to monitor progress and identify commercial or cost-related issues.

• Ensure the Project Manager is updated regarding any potential cost, scope, or program impacts.

7. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive records of:

  • Estimates

  • BOQs and quantity take-offs

  • Supplier/subcontractor quotations

  • Rate analysis

  • Tender submissions

  • Commercial evaluations

  • Variations

  • Cost reports

  • Progress valuations

  • Assumptions and exclusions

  • RFIs and tender clarifications

• Prepare regular estimation and commercial reports for management.

• Ensure all estimating and commercial documentation is properly organized, accurate, and traceable.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related engineering/construction discipline.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the UAE in estimation, tendering, costing, and commercial activities.

• Strong and proven experience in Prefab, Modular Buildings, Portable Buildings, or Off-Site Construction is mandatory/preferred.

• Experience in estimating complete modular projects from design/tender stage through execution and final commercial close-out.

• Strong knowledge of UAE construction market rates, suppliers, subcontractors, and material pricing.

• Experience in BOQ preparation, Quantity Take-Off, Rate Analysis, Tendering, Cost Control, Variations, and Progress Valuation.

• Strong understanding of architectural, structural, MEP, fit-out, and finishing works related to prefab/modular buildings.

• Proficiency in MS Excel and estimation/costing software.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOQs, and contractual documents.

• Knowledge of UAE construction standards, applicable building regulations, and industry practices.

• Strong analytical, numerical, and commercial skills.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, coordination, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and effectively under pressure and meet tight tender deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tenders/projects simultaneously.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Prefab/Modular manufacturing and factory-based production costing.

• Experience in large-scale modular building projects, camps, accommodation units, offices, schools, hospitals, or similar projects.

• Knowledge of ERP systems and integration between estimation, procurement, production, inventory, and project costing.

• Experience with estimating software, ERP-based costing systems, and advanced MS Excel.

• UAE driving license is an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Estimation & Costing

• Quantity Take-Off

• BOQ & Rate Analysis

• Tendering & Bid Management

• Prefab & Modular Construction

• Commercial Management

• Value Engineering

• Cost Control

• Variations & Claims

• Supplier/Subcontractor Evaluation

• Contract & Tender Review

• Financial & Commercial Analysis

• Project Coordination

• Risk Analysis

• Negotiation

• Advanced MS Excel