Senior Estimator

Strabag; Stafford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

STRABAG UK is seeking an experienced Estimator to support the Power team, preparing detailed cost estimates for HV substations, transmission and distribution works across the UK. You will assess scope, cost drivers and risks to build competitive tenders.

You will work with engineering, procurement and planning colleagues to develop robust pricing, price preliminaries and contribute to value engineering and post-tender negotiations as needed.

Qualifications

• Significant estimating or cost planning experience in power/transmission projects.
• Strong understanding of HV substations and associated works.
• Experience with NEC contract forms and tender pricing.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs and identify cost drivers.
• Proficiency with Excel and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates for HV substations and TD works across the UK.
• Provide estimating input to tenders, programmes, methodologies and delivery strategies.
• Review tender docs, specs and drawings to establish scope and risks.
• Develop cost models including labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and preliminaries.
• Incorporate quotes from suppliers and subcontractors to keep pricing competitive.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement and planning teams to refine estimates.
• Apply risk allowances and contingencies in line with contractual obligations.
• Price preliminaries and support post-tender negotiations as required.

Skills

Estimating experience

Power infrastructure knowledge

NEC contract awareness

Cost planning

Excel proficiency

Education

Engineering/QS degree

Tools

Excel

STRABAG I2 Estimating

Job description

Tasks

About STRABAG UK

For over a decade, STRABAG UK has brought the strength and success of the STRABAG Group to the UK. With over 180 years of company history and active in over 2,400 locations across more than 50 countries, the STRABAG Group is a diverse leader in construction, innovation, and financial strength.

Headquartered in Vienna, the STRABAG Group offers a wide range of construction services across the industry and the entire construction value chain.

We are committed to long-term investment in the UK through ambitious projects spanning various sectors, with a steadfast focus on supporting our people and protecting the environment.

Our newly established Power team sits within the Infrastructure Division and has been created to support the continued growth of STRABAG UK in the energy sector. Working on major power transmission, substation and National Grid infrastructure projects across the UK, our team plays a vital role in delivering resilient, low-carbon energy networks that will support generations to come.

Guided by STRABAG's People. Planet. Progress. 2030 strategy, we are committed to developing talented people, delivering sustainable infrastructure and driving innovation through engineering excellence.

Role Requirements

• Prepare accurate, detailed and commercially competitive cost estimates for power infrastructure projects, including high-voltage (HV) substations and wider transmission and distribution (T&D) works across the UK.
• Take an active role within the tender team, providing estimating and commercial input into proposed construction solutions, programmes, methodologies and delivery strategies.
• Review and interpret tender documentation, technical specifications, drawings and project requirements to establish scope, identify cost drivers and assess potential risks and opportunities.
• Prepare the financial elements of tender submissions, ensuring all relevant project costs, assumptions and commercial considerations are accurately captured.
• Develop detailed cost estimates incorporating labour, plant, materials, subcontractors, specialist electrical equipment, temporary works, preliminaries, overheads and other associated project costs.
• Obtain, evaluate and incorporate current supplier and subcontractor quotations for materials, plant, equipment and specialist works, ensuring costs are competitive and aligned with tender requirements.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, procurement, commercial, planning, project delivery and bid teams to obtain accurate cost information and support the development of robust tender submissions.
• Provide estimating input into value engineering (VE), temporary works, alternative construction solutions and other associated technical and commercial considerations.
• Identify, assess and incorporate appropriate risk allowances, commercial assumptions and contingencies within estimates, taking account of contractual obligations, programme constraints and project-specific requirements.
• Prepare and price tender submissions using STRABAG's I2 Estimating IT package and other relevant estimating systems.
• Prepare tender documentation, supporting cost breakdowns and pricing schedules, presenting estimates and supporting information at internal tender reviews as required.
• Price project preliminaries and coordinate with the planning team to ensure alignment between estimated costs, construction programmes, resources and proposed delivery methodologies.
• Support the bid team during post-tender negotiations, providing clarification and further cost analysis where required.
• Maintain and develop estimating information, including historical project costs, cost databases and benchmarking information, to support accurate and consistent pricing.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes, incorporating lessons learned and identifying opportunities to improve tender accuracy and competitiveness.
• Build effective working relationships across the wider business, supporting the successful delivery of tender opportunities and the continued growth of STRABAG UK's Power business unit.
• Adhere to STRABAG policies, procedures and relevant company standards.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required to support the objectives of the Company

Qualifications

Required

• Significant experience in an estimating or cost planning role within the power, transmission and distribution, utilities, infrastructure or wider construction sector.
• Strong technical understanding of power infrastructure projects, including HV substations, substation civil engineering, electrical plant and equipment, cabling, overhead lines and associated transmission and distribution works.
• Proven ability to prepare, develop, review and challenge detailed cost estimates for complex infrastructure or engineering projects.
• Strong commercial awareness, including an understanding of project risks, cost planning, procurement strategies and contractual requirements.
• Experience working with standard forms of contract, particularly NEC, and an understanding of their implications for tender pricing and project delivery.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and tender documentation, identifying scope requirements, potential cost implications and commercial risks.
• Experience obtaining, analysing and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure competitive and commercially robust pricing.
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail and a structured approach to cost assessment.
• Proficiency in computerised estimating systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain and justify estimates, pricing assumptions and recommendations to senior stakeholders, clients, suppliers and subcontractors.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to work independently and effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Desired

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering, construction or quantity surveying discipline.
• Experience using STRABAG's I2 Estimating IT package.
• Previous experience estimating HV substation, transmission and distribution or other electrical infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of procurement strategies, value engineering and alternative construction methodologies within the power sector.