Graduate Estimator

Kiernan Steel; Longford; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiernan Structural Steel Ltd. in Longford is seeking a Graduate Estimator to support cost estimates for structural steel projects. You'll review drawings, quantify materials and labour, and help prepare tender documents on-site at our Longford facility.

Work with engineering, fabrication, and project management to identify value engineering opportunities and ensure estimates align with production capabilities. This hands-on role offers exposure to commercial decision-making and project costing.

Qualifications

• Graduate level or equivalent in engineering, construction management, or quantity surveying.
• Interest in structural steel and value engineering.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to read drawings, specs, and bills of quantities.
• Effective communication and teamwork across teams.
• Commitment to health and safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings and specifications to quantify materials and labor.
• Prepare tender documents and pricing schedules.
• Collaborate with engineering, fabrication, and project management teams.
• Maintain estimating databases and track market pricing.
• Analyze subcontractor and supplier quotations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical ability

Excel skills

Teamwork

CAD learning

Education

Engineering degree

Construction management

Quantity surveying

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Company Description

Kiernan Structural Steel Ltd. is a family-owned business established in 1989 that has grown from manufacturing agricultural sheds into one of Ireland’s leading structural steel firms. From its modern plant in Longford, the company delivers comprehensive services to the steel construction industry, including design engineering, fabrication, erection, and specialist decking solutions. Kiernan Steel serves clients across the Irish construction sector and exports to the UK, often providing value engineering for complex structural steelwork. The company also offers fire protection painting and manufactured castellated beams and trusses, supporting a wide range of project types. Kiernan Steel is committed to meeting client expectations on program and budget while maintaining high standards for quality, health and safety, and environmental performance.

Role Description

The Graduate Estimator will work full time on-site at Kiernan Steel’s Longford facility, supporting the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for structural steel projects. Day-to-day tasks include reviewing drawings and specifications, quantifying materials and labor, and assisting in the preparation of tender documents and pricing schedules. The role involves collaborating with engineering, fabrication, and project management teams to clarify technical details, identify value engineering opportunities, and ensure estimates align with production capabilities. The Graduate Estimator will help maintain estimating databases, track market pricing, and support the analysis of subcontractor and supplier quotations. The position offers hands-on experience in the steel construction sector, with opportunities to develop skills in commercial decision-making and project costing.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities.
• Educational background in engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, or a related discipline (graduate level or equivalent).
• Interest in structural steel, construction methods, and value engineering principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and willingness to learn estimating or CAD software tools.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across engineering, fabrication, and site teams.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines.
• Commitment to health and safety, quality standards, and environmentally responsible work practices.
• Prior internship or work experience in construction or engineering is an advantage but not essential.