EHV Estimators

NES Fircroft; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in engineering is looking for two EHV Estimators for permanent roles in Manchester, UK. The ideal candidates will prepare detailed cost estimates for both substations and underground cable routes. Responsibilities include interpreting technical drawings, developing cost models, and ensuring compliance with standards. A successful applicant will have over 5 years of experience in electrical estimating and strong knowledge of HV construction methods. Competitive salary and opportunities for growth within the company are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in electrical estimating for EHV or HV projects.
• Strong ability to build estimates from first principles.
• Knowledge of HV construction methods and site constraints.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for HV substation projects.
• Develop cost models for EHV underground cable routes.
• Evaluate supplier quotes and align with technical requirements.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Cost modeling

Trenching and ducting knowledge

MS Excel

NRSWA knowledge

Job description

NESFircroft are proud to be representing a large-scale infrastructure, energy and communications client based in the UK. Actively searching for 2 EHV Estimators to join their pre-construction team in 2026 due to expansion and successful project wins. This offers the perfect opportunity for someone to step into a growing business with a dynamic client base.

There are 2 permanent roles available

• EHV Estimator Substations (132Kv+ )
• EHV Estimator Cables (132Kv+)

SCOPE OF ROLES

Substation Estimator

As EHV Electrical Estimator, you’ll be responsible for preparing robust, accurate, first principles cost estimates for HV substation projects. You’ll interpret technical drawings and employer specs to develop detailed cost models for primary plant, secondary systems, and associated civil and commissioning works. Your estimates will help drive competitive tenders, frameworks and project approvals.

Cabling Estimator

As an EHV Civils Estimator, you’ll be responsible for producing detailed first principles cost estimates for Extra High Voltage (EHV) underground cable routes (typically 132kV–400kV). Your estimates will be built from scratch, utilising your in-depth understanding of trenching, ducting, joint bays, street works, and permitting, to ensure every submission is compliant, accurate, and commercially viable.

HOW YOU’LL SUCCEED

Substation Estimator

• Develop first-principles cost estimates for EHV substation components : transformers, switchgear (AIS / GIS), protection systems, busbars, etc.
• Build accurate cost models for materials, plant, labour, prelims, and indirects.
• Factor access, site conditions, outages, and productivity rates into your methodology.
• Produce traceable and auditable pricing schedules aligned to project scope.

Cabling Estimator

• Develop first-principles cost estimates for civil elements of EHV cable routes.
• Build up rates for trenching, joint bays, HDD / trenchless crossings, duct installation, backfill, and reinstatement.
• Factor in labour, plant, materials, and prelims based on real productivity norms.
• Tailor cost models to reflect route-specific constraints, phasing, and methodology.

Technical & Commercial Input

Substation Estimator

• Interpret layout drawings, SLDs, specs, and ERs.
• Liaise with engineering and construction to understand buildability and assumptions.
• Evaluate supplier / subcontractor quotes and align with technical requirements.
• Identify exclusions, value-engineering options, and risk assumptions.

Cabling Estimator

• Incorporate NRSWA legislation, permit schemes, lane rental costs, and traffic management plans.
• Price for night / weekend working, embargo periods, and restricted access scenarios.
• Ensure reinstatement types and guarantee periods are fully costed and compliant.
• Review civil drawings, utility records, and GI data to inform your cost assumptions.
• Understand cable system requirements, e.g. thermal backfill, spacing, and installation tolerances.
• Identify and account for SEDs, congested zones, or third-party interfaces.

Risk, Allowances & Governance

• Maintain clear estimate back-up, risk registers, and audit trails.
• Apply suitable contingencies, escalations, and allowances based on uncertainty.
• Support internal reviews and governance processes.

Essential Experience

Substation Estimator

• 5+ years in electrical estimating, preferably for 132kV–400kV substation or transmission projects.
• Strong experience building estimates from first principles (not historical averages).
• Knowledge of HV construction methods, plant installation, testing, commissioning, and site constraints.
• Able to interpret civil / electrical drawings and technical specs.

Cabling Estimator

• 5+ years’ experience estimating civils works for EHV / HV cable route projects.
• Proven ability to estimate from first principles using real-world productivity.
• Excellent knowledge of NRSWA, local authority permit schemes, and streetworks regulations.
• Strong skills in MS Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook.
• Experience interpreting utility route layouts, GI data, and technical specs.