Chief Construction Estimator

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development and training

Company-provided vehicle or travel

Generous annual leave

Access to estimating technology

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Chief Construction Estimator to lead the pre-construction estimating team and drive accurate, competitive bids across diverse projects. You will analyze plans, develop detailed cost estimates, mentor junior estimators, and collaborate with project managers to win contracts while controlling costs and timelines.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering (or equivalent exp) and a proven track

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field; extensive experience may substitute for a degree.
• Minimum 10 years in construction estimating, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Proven bid track record for significant projects in Port Elizabeth area.
• Proficiency in CostX, Accubid, PlanSwift and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the pre-construction estimating team.
• Develop detailed and accurate cost estimates for a range of projects from concept to bid submission.
• Analyze tender documents, blueprints, specifications, and site information to prepare estimates.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and procurement to refine estimates.
• Conduct market research on material costs and labor rates in Port Elizabeth.
• Perform risk analysis and develop contingency plans for bids.
• Review estimates prepared by junior estimators and defend them to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

CostX

Accubid

PlanSwift

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent construction company with a significant footprint in **Port Elizabeth**, Eastern Cape, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Construction Estimator. This senior role is crucial for the company's business development and profitability, as you will be responsible for leading the estimating team and ensuring the accuracy and competitiveness of all project bids. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of construction methodologies, materials, labor costs, and market trends specific to the **Port Elizabeth** region. You will play a key role in analyzing project plans, developing detailed cost estimates, and collaborating with project managers and bid teams to secure new contracts. This is an excellent opportunity for a meticulous and strategic estimator to make a substantial impact within a leading construction organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the pre-construction estimating team.
• Develop detailed and accurate cost estimates for a wide range of construction projects, from conceptualization to bid submission.
• Analyze tender documents, blueprints, specifications, and site information to prepare comprehensive estimates.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and procurement specialists to refine cost estimates.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about material costs, labor rates, and industry trends in **Port Elizabeth**.
• Perform risk analysis and develop contingency plans for bids.
• Review and validate estimates prepared by junior estimators.
• Present and defend estimates to senior management and clients during the bidding process.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
• Implement and improve estimating procedures and software.
• Ensure compliance with company bidding policies and industry best practices.
• Assist in the negotiation of contracts based on finalized estimates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field; extensive experience may substitute for a degree.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in construction estimating, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of successful bidding on significant projects in the **Port Elizabeth** area.
• Expert proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g., CostX, Accubid, PlanSwift) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, scheduling, and contract types.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Leadership qualities to guide and mentor the estimating team.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in estimating techniques.
• Involvement in diverse and challenging projects within the **Port Elizabeth** region.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Generous annual leave.
• Company-provided vehicle or travel allowance.
• Potential for career progression to senior management roles.
• Access to state-of-the-art estimating technology.