EHV Estimator - Cables

NES Fircroft; Matjhabeng Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A large-scale infrastructure and energy firm is looking for an experienced EHV Civils Estimator to produce cost estimates for underground cable routes. Candidates should have at least 5 years of estimating experience for EHV/HV projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of related regulations. Responsibilities include developing cost models tailored to project specifics and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation. This role offers the chance to work within a dynamic team on exciting projects in the field of energy and infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience estimating civils works for EHV/HV cable route projects.
• Proven ability to estimate from first principles using real-world productivity.
• Excellent knowledge of NRSWA, local authority permit schemes, and streetworks regulations.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed first principles cost estimates for EHV underground cable routes.
• Work with engineering, construction, commercial, and procurement teams.
• Document key cost drivers, risks, assumptions, and exclusions.

Skills

Estimating from first principles

Knowledge of NRSWA

Strong skills in MS Excel

Interpretation of utility route layouts

Job description

NESFircroft are proud to be representing a large-scale infrastructure, energy and communications client based in the UK. Actively searching for a EHV Civils Estimator to join in 2026 due to expansion and successful project wins. This offers the perfect opportunity for someone to step into a growing business with a dynamic client base.

SCOPE OF ROLE

As an EHV Civils Estimator, you’ll be responsible for producing detailed first principles cost estimates for Extra High Voltage (EHV) underground cable routes (typically 132kV–400kV). Your estimates will be built from scratch, utilising your in-depth understanding of trenching, ducting, joint bays, street works, and permitting, to ensure every submission is compliant, accurate, and commercially viable.

You’ll work closely with engineering, construction, commercial, and procurement teams, contributing to bid strategies that win projects and support successful delivery.

HOW YOU’LL SUCCEED

Estimating & Cost Development

• Develop first-principles cost estimates for civil elements of EHV cable routes.
• Build up rates for trenching, joint bays, HDD/trenchless crossings, duct installation, backfill, and reinstatement.
• Factor in labour, plant, materials, and prelims based on real productivity norms.
• Tailor cost models to reflect route-specific constraints, phasing, and methodology.

Compliance & Technical Understanding

• Incorporate NRSWA legislation, permit schemes, lane rental costs, and traffic management plans.
• Price for night/weekend working, embargo periods, and restricted access scenarios.
• Ensure reinstatement types and guarantee periods are fully costed and compliant.
• Review civil drawings, utility records, and GI data to inform your cost assumptions.
• Understand cable system requirements, e.g. thermal backfill, spacing, and installation tolerances.
• Identify and account for SEDs, congested zones, or third-party interfaces.

Commercial Awareness and Tender Support

• Clearly document key cost drivers, risks, assumptions, and exclusions.
• Prepare risk-adjusted pricing, contingency allowances, and transparent audit trails.
• Support internal bid reviews and handovers to delivery.
• Create pricing schedules, BoQs, and breakdowns.
• Assess subcontractor/supplier quotations.
• Respond to tender clarifications and support post-submission queries.

Essential Requirements

• 5 years’ experience estimating civils works for EHV/HV cable route projects.
• Proven ability to estimate from first principles using real-world productivity.
• Excellent knowledge of NRSWA, local authority permit schemes, and streetworks regulations.
• Strong skills in MS Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook.
• Experience interpreting utility route layouts, GI data, and technical specs.

Desirable Requirements

• Estimating experience with voltages up to 400kV.
• Knowledge of trenchless methods (HDD, thrust bore, microtunnelling).
• Familiarity with NEC or framework contract pricing.
• Street Works Supervisor qualification.
• Experience with DNOs, ICPs, or EPC contractors.