Chief Estimator

CCL Global; معهد تدريب المديرية العامة للسجون بالمنطقة الشرقية; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading EPC engineering firm in Saudi Arabia is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating function for large-scale infrastructure projects. The role requires over 15 years of experience in estimating EPC projects, a strong background in the Middle East market, and advanced proficiency in estimating software. This permanent role can be based in Riyadh, Al Khobar, or Bahrain.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in estimating large scale EPC projects.
• Proven track record in infrastructure, civil works, and energy sector projects.
• Strong familiarity with Middle East/KSA market conditions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee comprehensive cost estimates for EPC and BOOT projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary estimating teams and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Track estimate performance against actuals to improve future accuracy.

Skills

Leadership

Cost estimation

Communication

Analytical skills

Networking

Innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field

Master’s degree or MBA

Tools

CostX

Primavera

Excel-based models

Job description

CCL is working with an EPC Engineering company based in Saudi Arabia to recruit a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating function for large-scale infrastructure, civil, and energy projects, including EPC and BOOT contracts. This role ensures the development of accurate, competitive, and compliant cost estimates that support strategic bids, investment decisions, and project execution planning.

The Chief Estimator plays a pivotal role in aligning cost strategies with the company’s commercial objectives and risk profile, particularly within the context of major facilities development in the Middle East.

This is a permanent role and can be based in Riyadh, Al Khobar, or Bahrain.

Key objectives & Responsibilities:

1. Develop and oversee comprehensive cost estimates for EPC and BOOT projects across infrastructure, civil, and energy sectors.
2. Ensure estimates reflect current market conditions, regional pricing trends, and regulatory frameworks in KSA.
3. Support bid/no-bid decisions and commercial strategy through detailed cost analysis and risk evaluation.
4. Lead multidisciplinary estimating teams and coordinate inputs from engineering, procurement, construction, and finance.
5. Maintain consistency, accuracy, and transparency in all estimating deliverables.
6. Interface with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders to validate scope, assumptions, and pricing strategies.
7. Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for EPC and BOOT contracts, including CAPEX and OPEX components.
8. Interpret project scope, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to develop accurate quantity take-offs and pricing.
9. Develop and maintain standardised estimating templates, cost databases, and benchmarking tools.
10. Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to validate scope and pricing assumptions.
11. Track estimate performance against actuals to refine future pricing strategies and improve accuracy.

Additional involvement:

1. Participate in pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and negotiation sessions.
2. Support contract development and alignment of commercial terms with cost assumptions.
3. Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating function.
4. Mentor and train junior estimators and support staff.
5. Assist in developing cost models for feasibility studies and early-stage project evaluations.
6. Collaborate with finance and business development teams on investment analysis and ROI modelling.

Experience required:

1. Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
2. Master’s degree or MBA preferred, especially for BOOT/commercial structuring exposure. Equivalent experience is acceptable.
3. Minimum 15 years of experience in estimating large scale EPC projects.
4. Proven track record in infrastructure, civil works, and energy sector projects.
5. Experience with BOOT, PPP, or concession based project models.
6. Strong familiarity with Middle East/KSA market conditions, pricing, and regulatory frameworks.
7. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
8. Networking capacity both internally and externally.
9. Innovator and ideas generator for creating business opportunities.
10. Advanced proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Candy, CostX, Primavera, Excel-based models).
11. Strong analytical and commercial acumen.
12. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
13. Deep understanding of construction methodologies, procurement strategies, and risk management.
14. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple complex estimates simultaneously.
15. Fluent in English; Arabic language skills are a plus.