Civils Works Estimator

Project A Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Project A Recruitment is recruiting a Senior Civil Works Estimator for a Durban based role. The candidate willanalyse tender docs, assess risks, and prepare cost estimates for materials, labour, plant and transport, while developing construction timelines and cost schedules.

The role requires substantial civil construction experience, including in water/wastewater infrastructure, and a strong grasp of the full tender process from pre-bid to submission. Durban head office focus with project teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in civil construction, site-based roles.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a dedicated Estimating role.
• Proficient with CCS Candy and Microsoft Office.
• Understanding of the full tender process from pre-bid to submission.
• Ability to assess and quantify commercial and contractual risk.

Responsibilities

• Analyse tender documents and assess contractual risks.
• Prepare cost estimates for materials, labour, plant, equipment and transport.
• Develop and maintain construction timelines using planning tools.
• Prepare Preliminary and General cost schedules based on scope.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Interpret drawings and perform quantity take-offs.
• Liaise with construction managers, planners, and engineers.
• Visit sites to inform pricing and methodology.
• Adhere to submission deadlines and work under pressure.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Risk assessment

Microsoft Office

Education

Civil engineering degree or diploma

Quantity surveying considered

BSc preferred or Btech accepted

Tools

CCS Candy

Planning software

Job description

RECRUITING - SENIOR CIVILS WORKS ESTIMATOR - Durban

A medium-sized specialist civil engineering company based in Durban, is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Civil Works Estimator to join their head office team. This is a mid-level to senior role ideally suited to candidates with solid civil construction experience, particularly in the construction of water treatment works, wastewater treatment works, water-retaining concrete structures, and large and small diameter pipeline infrastructure.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Civil Engineering. Quantity Surveying qualifications will also be considered.
• BSC preferred but will accept a Btech
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in civil construction, site-based roles
• At least 2 years’ experience in a dedicated Estimating role
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant planning/estimating software (CCS (Candy) is preferred)
• Strong understanding of the full tender process from pre-bid to submission
• Ability to assess and quantify commercial and contractual risk

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse and evaluate tender documentation and contractual risks
• Compile detailed, competitive, and accurate tender submissions
• Prepare cost estimates for materials, labour, plant, equipment and transport
• Develop & maintain construction timelines using industry-standard planning tools
• Prepare Preliminary & General cost schedules based on scope and programme
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers
• Interpret engineering drawings and perform accurate quantity take-offs
• Liaise with internal teams - construction managers, planners, and engineers
• Conduct site visits to inform pricing and methodology
• Stay informed of regulations, market trends, pricing shifts, industry methods
• Present tender submissions to the finalisation committee and clients
• Maintain strict adherence to submission deadlines and work under pressure

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute with strong financial and business acumen
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Team-oriented and collaborative, with willingness to learn and grow
• Well-organised, deadline-driven, and capable of handling multiple priorities