Junior Estimator

Opals Group; Harefield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy transition and utilities contractor is seeking a Junior Estimator to provide support in preparing competitive cost estimates across various projects in the UK. This role offers an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or those early in their estimating careers to gain valuable experience while working alongside skilled professionals.

Qualifications

• Experience of 11kV substation and cabling projects is essential.
• Strong numerical and problem-solving skills with an eye for detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing cost estimates for construction and utilities projects.
• Support in creating cost reports and budgets.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates and project correspondence.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Time Management

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Role Overview

As a Junior Estimator at OCU, you will support the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for construction and utilities projects across the UK. Working alongside experienced estimators, engineers, and project managers, you’ll assist in analysing project requirements, gathering data, and developing financial forecasts to help ensure projects are delivered cost-effectively and competitively.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate or someone early in their estimating career to gain hands-on experience with a leading energy transition and utilities contractor.

Key Responsibilities

• Tendering Activities
• Projects up for tender are 11kV to 132kV substation and underground cabling works. Full civil/electrical design and build basis.
• Produce supplier and subcontractor RFQs
• Produce estimates/take offs based on proposed design
• Produce scope of works with clarifications
• Produce programme in MS Project

• Risk Awareness: Assist in identifying project risks and contribute to mitigation planning.
• Budget Input: Support in creating cost reports and budgets to monitor project expenditures.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with internal teams, clients, and suppliers to gather necessary project data and quotations.
• Market Research: Keep updated on market rates, material costs, and industry trends to support accurate estimating.
• Supplier Negotiations: Support the team in obtaining competitive quotes and engaging with subcontractors.
• Documentation & Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of estimates, tender submissions, and project correspondence.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure estimating activities align with UK building regulations and OCU’s internal standards.

Skills and Experience

• Experience: Experience of 11kV substation and cabling projects is essential.
• Development: The role is to develop an 11kV estimator or similar in to a 33/132kV estimator. Candidates will be required to want to develop in to this role under the stewardship of the Senior Estimator.
• Technical Skills: Basic understanding of estimating software MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Analytical Thinking: Strong numerical and problem-solving skills with an eye for detail.
• Communication: Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge: Awareness of UK building regulations and health & safety practices is beneficial.

Company Information:

OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.