Design Estimator

Circet; Slough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Circet is seeking an experienced Design Estimator based in Slough to lead high-value pre-sales activities for data centre projects. You will develop technically compliant, commercially robust cost models, prepare client-ready proposals and support bid negotiations.

The role emphasises data centre passive infrastructure, fiber optics, cabling and rack solutions, requiring strong analytical and communication skills to manage complex opportunities and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Proven pre-sales support for high-value data centre projects.
• Experience delivering multi-million euro bid opportunities.
• Knowledge of data centre passive infrastructure systems and vendors.
• Strong cost drivers and risk management understanding.
• Ability to present technical and commercial proposals to clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead bid opportunities through RFQ to submission.
• Act as technical authority for data centre passive infra during bids.
• Mentor junior pre-sales team members.
• Review client RFQs, specs and drawings.
• Coordinate internal bid activities for high-quality deliverables.
• Evaluate impacts of client docs on scope, design, risk and cost.
• Manage quote revisions due to design changes.
• Produce materials, BOMs and labour cost estimates.
• Develop comprehensive project cost models for bids.
• Ensure compliance with specs and commercial requirements.
• Engage with clients to present solutions and support discussions.
• Attend client meetings and support post-tender negotiations.
• Meet RFQ and bid deadlines with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain supplier/manufacturer relationships for tech updates.

Skills

Pre-sales experience

Bid management

Data centre knowledge

Cost estimation

Client presentations

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Attention to detail

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

We are hiring!

Circet are looking for an experienced Design Estimator for our team on theData Centre projects -Based out of Slough, United Kingdom

Role Overview

The Design Estimator is a key contributor to Circet’s data centre growth strategy, providing technical and commercial expertise throughout the pre-sales lifecycle. This role is responsible for leading complex, high-value bid opportunities and developing technically compliant, commercially robust solutions across data centre passive infrastructure systems. With a strong focus on fiber optics, horizontal cabling, and data cabinet and rack solutions. This role supports the sales function by producing accurate project estimates and client-ready proposals aligned to specification, programme, and budget requirements. This senior position is primarily engaged on multi-million-euro projects for strategic clients within a rapidly expanding market sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage bid opportunities through the full pre-sales lifecycle, from RFQ receipt to final submission.
• Act as the technical authority for data centre passive infrastructure solutions during the bid phase.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and technical support to junior pre-sales team members.
• Receive, review, and manage client RFQs, specifications, drawings, and associated documentation.
• Coordinate internal bid activities, ensuring timely production of high-quality, client-facing deliverables.
• Assess new or revised client documentation and evaluate impacts on scope, design, risk, and cost.
• Manage and control quote revisions in response to design changes or client clarifications.
• Interpret layout drawings, project programs and produce accurate material and labour take-offs.
• Generate RFIs, detailed bills of materials (BOMs), and labour cost estimates.
• Develop comprehensive and accurate project cost models to support final bid submissions.
• Ensure all solutions and costings fully comply with client specifications, standards, and commercial requirements.
• Engage directly with clients to present solutions, support technical discussions, and promote Circet’s capabilities.
• Attend client meetings and support post-tender clarification and negotiation stages.
• Ensure all RFQ and bid deadlines are met in a structured and controlled manner.
• Liaise closely with Operations, Sales, Commercial, Finance, and Health & Safety teams to ensure bid alignment and deliverability.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to remain informed of evolving technologies, products, and best practices.

Key Requirements

• Demonstrable experience delivering pre-sales support for high-value, complex projects, including double digit multi million euro opportunities.
• Minimum of five years’ proven experience in a pre-sales, estimating, or technical consultancy role within the industry.
• Extensive knowledge of data centre passive infrastructure systems, vendors, and supply chains.
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of cost drivers and risk management.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a structured, analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritise multiple concurrent opportunities.
• Confident communicator with the ability to present technical and commercial proposals to clients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficient in Google Workspace applications.
• Professional certifications such as RCDD, CNIDP, or CDCP are desirable but not essential

Why work in Circet?

• Be part of a company that encourages involvement, diversity and inclusion
• Be part of a company that nurtures excellence and develops leaders
• Be part of a company that encourages personal development and career progression through our further education programme, mentoring programme and pathway programme
• Be part of a company that is dedicated to making a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility

Circet IRE & UK is an inclusive organisation and welcomes all applications. Our mission is to create a workforce that consists of individuals with talent, skills and potential across all areas of our business. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.