EHV Estimator - Substations

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

Job summary

A leading engineering staffing provider is seeking an experienced EHV Estimator to join their pre-construction team in South Africa. The role involves preparing accurate cost estimates for EHV substation projects, interpreting technical drawings, and liaising with engineering teams. Candidates should have over 5 years of estimating experience, knowledge of HV construction methods, and a relevant degree. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a growing business with a dynamic client base.

Benefits

Market-leading benefits packages

Support with securing visas and work permits

Accommodation support

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in electrical estimating for substation or transmission projects.
• Experience in building estimates from first principles.
• Strong knowledge of HV construction methods, installation, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for EHV substation projects.
• Interpret drawings and specifications for cost model development.
• Liaise with engineering to understand buildability and assumptions.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Cost estimation

HV construction methods

Interpreting technical drawings

Project management

Education

HNC / Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Excel-based estimating models

MS Office tools

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 Estimator to join their pre-construction team 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.

Reporting to the Pre-Construction Commercial Director, you’ll work alongside technical, procurement, engineering and commercial colleagues to price and plan major Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation projects across the UK.

Scope of Role

As EHV Electrical Estimator, you’ll be responsible for preparing robust, accurate, first principles cost estimates for HV substation projects. You’ll interpret technical drawings and employer specs to develop detailed cost models for primary plant, secondary systems, and associated civil and commissioning works. Your estimates will help drive competitive tenders, frameworks and project approvals.

How You’ll Succeed

Estimating & Cost Development

• Develop first-principles cost estimates for EHV substation components: transformers, switchgear (AIS/GIS), protection systems, busbars, etc.
• Build accurate cost models for materials, plant, labour, prelims, and indirects.
• Factor access, site conditions, outages, and productivity rates into your methodology.
• Produce traceable and auditable pricing schedules aligned to project scope.

Technical & Commercial Input

• Interpret layout drawings, SLDs, specs, and ERs.
• Liaise with engineering and construction to understand buildability and assumptions.
• Evaluate supplier/subcontractor quotes and align with technical requirements.
• Identify exclusions, value-engineering options, and risk assumptions.

Risk, Allowances & Governance

• Maintain clear estimate back-up, risk registers, and audit trails.
• Apply suitable contingencies, escalations, and allowances based on uncertainty.
• Support internal reviews and governance processes.

Essential Experience

• 5 years in electrical estimating, preferably for 132kV–400kV substation or transmission projects.
• Strong experience building estimates from first principles (not historical averages).
• Knowledge of HV construction methods, plant installation, testing, commissioning, and site constraints.
• Able to interpret civil/electrical drawings and technical specs.

Qualifications

• HNC / Degree in Electrical Engineering, Estimating, or equivalent.
• Proficient in Excel-based estimating models and MS Office tools.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.