Estimator

Accenture DACH; Frankfurt; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Accenture DACH in Frankfurt is seeking a seasoned Cost Estimator to lead pre-contract estimating for large infrastructure and EPC projects, ensuring robust, commercially competitive figures.

You will analyse technical drawings and documentation, develop unit rates, validate supplier pricing, and present findings to management while mentoring junior estimators and driving continuous improvement in estimating processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a technical discipline and 8–10 years of cost estimating experience.
• Experience on multidisciplinary infrastructure, energy, industrial, or commercial construction projects.
• Proven ability to translate complex drawings and specs into reliable estimates.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with client-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates based on design information and project scope.
• Analyse drawings, specifications, and plans to identify cost drivers and risks.
• Develop, review, and finalize unit rates and pricing per market conditions.
• Obtain and validate pricing from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Review historical cost data and benchmarking to identify variances and trends.
• Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure estimates reflect project scope.
• Support reporting by documenting estimate revisions and cost changes.
• Present estimates and analyses to management and clients.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Cost estimation

Project cost management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or comparable technical discipline

Tools

CostX

Candy

Causeway

Job description

Working closely with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, and Clients, you will ensure that estimates are robust, commercially competitive, and aligned with project requirements. You will also contribute to the development of estimating standards and support colleagues across the estimating function.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates based on the available design information and project scope.
• Analyse technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and project plans to identify cost drivers and project risks.
• Evaluate estimating assumptions and identify opportunities and risks that may impact project cost and budget performance.
• Develop, review, and finalise unit rates and pricing in accordance with current market conditions and project-specific requirements.
• Obtain and validate pricing information from suppliers, subcontractors, databases, and other relevant sources.
• Review historical cost data and benchmarking information to identify significant cost variances and trends.
• Prepare material take-offs from engineering drawings and project documentation.
• Review contract documentation to understand the scope of work, contractual requirements, and cost implications of scope changes.
• Collaborate closely with clients and internal stakeholders to clarify project requirements and ensure estimates accurately reflect project scope.
• Support project reporting by documenting estimate revisions and providing clear explanations for cost changes.
• Present estimating results and commercial analyses to management, clients, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and support to junior and intermediate estimators where appropriate.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and best practices.
• Perform additional duties as required to support successful project delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or a comparable technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of professional experience in cost estimating, including experience working on multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong experience in pre-contract estimating for large infrastructure, energy, industrial, or commercial construction projects.
• Excellent knowledge of estimating software and cost databases (e.g. CostX, Candy, Causeway, or comparable solutions).
• Proven ability to interpret complex engineering and technical documentation and translate it into reliable cost estimates.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills.
• Experience working directly with clients and managing stakeholder relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certification such as MRICS, AACE International, ACostE, or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification.
• Experience with BIM-supported estimating, digital estimating platforms, and data-driven cost estimation methodologies.
• Knowledge of international project delivery environments and EPC/EPCM projects is advantageous.