The Estimator prepares accurate, competitive and commercially sound costestimates for fit-out enquiries, quotations and tenders. The role manages theestimating process from enquiry review and scope clarification through supplierpricing, tender analysis, internal approval and handover to the operational andcommercial teams.
Key Responsibilities
TenderPlanning and Scope Review
- Review enquiries,RFQs, drawings, specifications, bills of quantities, conditions of contract andother tender documents.
- Prepare a clearpricing plan and schedule to complete assigned estimates within the requireddeadline.
- Clarify scope,exclusions, assumptions and technical requirements with clients and internalstakeholders to improve quotation accuracy.
- Conduct site visitsand participate in tender meetings when required to understand projectconditions, access constraints and delivery requirements.
Cost Estimation and Value Engineering
- Prepare detailed costestimates covering materials, labor, subcontract works, logistics,preliminaries, installation and other project-related costs.
- Apply knowledge offit-out methods, raw material costs and manufacturing rates to developrealistic and competitive pricing.
- Identifyvalue-engineering options and alternative materials, methods or sources thatprotect quality, programme and client intent.
- Ensure estimatebuild-ups contain sufficient detail to support management review, contractreview and project handover.
Supply Chain and Commercial Review
- Issue enquiries aboutsuitable suppliers, subcontractors and manufacturing locations and follow up toobtain complete quotations on time.
- Analyze supplier andsubcontractor quotations, prepare trade comparisons and negotiate competitiverates and commercial terms.
- Review quotations forscope gaps, qualifications, validity, lead times, payment terms and alignmentwith tender requirements.
- Use local marketknowledge to strengthen and diversify the supply chain beyond existingvendors.
Tender Submission, Approval and Follow-Up
- Prepare tenderanalysis, pricing summaries, mark-up recommendations, qualifications andsupporting information for internal review.
- Present estimatesprofessionally during tender vetting and approval meetings and addresscommercial or technical queries.
- Ensure the tendersummary and approvals are completed in line with company procedures beforesubmission.
- Support thepreparation of quality submissions, programs and other tender deliverables incoordination with relevant teams.
- Monitor submittedtenders and quotations and attend client clarification or negotiation meetingswhen required.
Handover and Coordination
- Coordinate withEstimation, Project Management, Commercial, Procurement, Design, Production andother teams throughout the tender process.
- Prepare and present astructured handover package for awarded projects, including estimate build-up,assumptions, exclusions, risks, opportunities and supplier quotations.
- Participate inhandover meetings and provide clarification to help the operational andcommercial teams start the project with a clear cost baseline.
The ideal candidate for the role of Estimatorhas the following skills, personal qualities, and experience:
- Bachelor's degree ordiploma in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or arelated discipline.
- Minimum 5 years ofrelevant estimating experience in the interior fit-out industry.
- Practical knowledgeof the full tender cycle, including enquiry review, quantity take-off, costbuild-up, supplier pricing, trade comparison, value engineering and tendersubmission.
- Experienceinterpreting drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and contractconditions.
- Good understanding offit-out materials, manufacturing processes, installation methods and localsupply markets.
- Proficiency inMicrosoft Excel, Word, Outlook and estimation or ERP systems.
- Strong numerical,analytical and commercial judgement with close attention to detail.
- Ability to identifycost risks, scope gaps, discrepancies and opportunities and communicate themclearly.
- Effective negotiationand supplier-management skills.
- Ability to prioritizemultiple tenders, work to tight deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure.
- Clear written andverbal business English, with confidence in internal and client-facingdiscussions.
- Collaborative workingstyle, ownership of assigned enquiries and disciplined follow-through.
- Professionalintegrity and commitment to confidentiality, accuracy and company procedures.