Overhead Lines Estimator

OCU; Winchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

OCU is seeking an Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for 11kV to 132kV substations and associated cabling. You will work with engineers, project managers, designers, and operations teams on a range of design-and-build projects in the UK.

In this role you will review drawings and specs, prepare robust pricing submissions, and maintain cost databases. The position is office-based with opportunities for career growth within a fast-growing utility group in the South West of England.

Qualifications

• Civil or electrical estimating experience required.
• Experience pricing 132kV substation projects.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and project documentation.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple tenders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for substation, cable, and power infrastructure projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, programmes, and technical information to develop robust pricing submissions.
• Liaise with engineering, design, commercial and operational teams to understand project requirements and delivery methodologies.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive and accurate pricing.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions during the estimating process.
• Develop cost build-ups, pricing schedules, and supporting documentation for tender submissions.
• Support bid reviews and tender adjudications with senior stakeholders.
• Maintain estimating records, cost databases, and historical pricing information to support future opportunities.

Skills

Civil/electrical estimating

132kV substation pricing

Numerical/analytical skills

Reading drawings/specs

Attention to detail

Written/verbal communication

Tender deadlines/multi-tender

Excel proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Department

Regulated Power

Location

South West

Description

Location: South West | Contract Type: Permanent | Working Pattern: Full-Time | Office Based

Pay / Benefits

Remuneration for this role is benchmarked competitively within our sector.

The Opportunity

OCU is delivering some of the UK's most significant power infrastructure projects, helping to support the growth and resilience of the electricity network. As an Estimator, you'll play a key role in developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for complex electrical infrastructure schemes, supporting successful project bids and long-term business growth.

Working closely with engineers, project managers, designers, and operational teams, you'll be involved in a diverse range of projects including 11kV to 132kV substations and associated underground cabling works delivered on a full design and build basis. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to major energy infrastructure projects while developing your career within one of the UK's fastest-growing utility and infrastructure businesses.

What You'll Do

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for substation, cable, and power infrastructure projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, programmes, and technical information to develop robust pricing submissions.
• Liaise with engineering, design, commercial, and operational teams to understand project requirements and delivery methodologies.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive and accurate pricing.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions during the estimating process.
• Develop cost build-ups, pricing schedules, and supporting documentation for tender submissions.
• Support bid reviews and tender adjudications with senior stakeholders.
• Maintain estimating records, cost databases, and historical pricing information to support future opportunities.

What You'll Bring

• Previous civil or electrical estimating experience.
• Experience pricing 132kV substation projects.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Desirable

• Experience estimating underground cable and utility infrastructure projects.
• Bonus if you have experience within Transmission & Distribution, DNO, ICP, or power infrastructure environments.
• It would be great if you have knowledge of construction contracts, commercial principles, and risk management processes.
• It would be great if you have experience working on EPC or design and build projects.
• Awareness of UK building regulations, industry standards, and health and safety requirements would be advantageous.

What We Offer

At OCU, we believe that meaningful work should come with meaningful support. That's the principle behind Careers with Purpose, our commitment to ensuring every person at OCU feels supported, developed, and valued, not just in their role today, but throughout their career with us.

Alongside the opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, we offer a benefits package that we are continuing to develop as we grow, and the kind of career acceleration that only comes from being inside a business moving at this pace.

As a rapidly growing organisation, there are genuine opportunities to progress, broaden your experience, and build a long‑term career within OCU Group.

Our vacancies are typically advertised for two weeks; however, we reserve the right to close applications early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable candidates. We therefore encourage early applications.

To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process is, by emailing [e-mail].