Solar and BESS Senior Estimator and Preconstruction Manager

Climate17; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in renewable energy is seeking a Senior Estimator to support utility-scale solar and BESS projects. This role offers growth opportunities as part of a dynamic team, focusing on developing cost-effective proposals and collaborating across departments. Candidates should have a degree in engineering or related fields and relevant experience in estimating.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Career development opportunities

Positive, dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in estimating utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS projects.
• Experience in the preparation of full project budgets and proposals.
• Proficient in technical drawing analysis and quantity take-offs.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate cost estimates for large-scale solar PV and BESS projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project outcomes.
• Support contract negotiation and review of technical annexes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Proactivity

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Construction Management

Energy Systems

Tools

Microsoft Excel

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

PVsyst

PVcase

Terabase

Job description

An international renewable energy EPC that is growing out its North American business is seeking a Senior Estimator to drive technical and economic proposals for utility-scale photovoltaic solar and BESS projects.

The business is on an exciting trajectory; this role has considerable opportunities for growth and is a chance to be an early fixture as the wider team develops.

This role is based at company HQ inDallas, working with a highly collaborative and experienced team. The role is in-office for the first year, then moving to a hybrid model.

The Role
This is a key role in developing accurate and competitive technical and economic proposals for large-scale solar PV and BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) projects across the U.S. It will collaborate with cross-functional teams and subcontractors throughout all stages of the preconstruction phase to ensure cost-effective, high-quality project outcomes.

Bid Phase

• Review RFPs and client documentation to determine project scope, schedule, and technical requirements
• Develop accurate cost estimates based on preliminary project designs
• Perform material and quantity take-offs for both electrical, mechanical and civil scopes
• Prepare comprehensive technical and economic proposals for utility-scale PV and BESS projects
• Coordinate with internal departments (engineering, planning, legal, etc.) for input and validation
• Request and evaluate quotes from suppliers and subcontractors, performing technical alignment and comparisons
• Attend meetings with clients and partners to clarify scope and present proposals
• Use software tools such as PVsyst, PVcase, Terabase, and Civil 3D for simulations, layouts, and performance modelling

Post-Award Phase

• Support contract negotiation and review of technical annexes
• Participate in the validation of final project budgets and align subcontractor scopes accordingly
• Prepare handover packages and conduct estimate review sessions with the project execution team

Construction Support

• Assist project teams with clarification of estimate assumptions and response to change orders
• Provide cost history data to inform future estimates and improve accuracy

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Energy Systems, or related field
• 5 years of experience in estimating utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS projects
• Experience in the preparation of full project budgets and proposals (including subcontract tendering)
• Proficient in technical drawing analysis and quantity take-offs
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and PVsyst. PVcase or Terabase is a plus
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Valuable Skills

• Proactive, results-driven, and detail-oriented
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Familiarity with EPC contract structures and scopes
• Previous experience with cost databases and benchmarking
• Knowledge of both U.S. and international solar markets considered a plus

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Career development opportunities
• Positive, dynamic work environment focused on innovation and teamwork

About Us
Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process
Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment or resources in order to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know.