Estimator

Watershed Consulting; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Watershed Consulting is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our PMB-based team. The role focuses on preparing accurate cost estimates and tender submissions by extracting data from drawings and using pricing software.

You will liaise with suppliers and internal teams to manage project costs. The ideal candidate has proven estimator experience, strong Excel skills, and the ability to interpret drawings.

Qualifications

• Experience as an estimator, cost estimator, or similar quoting role.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles and ability to interpret technical drawings is an advantage.
• Experience in tender pricing, negotiation and supplier management.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and sourcing practices.
• Located in or willing to commute to PMB.
• Relevant trade qualification, diploma or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, quotations and tender submissions.
• Extract quantities and technical information from drawings and input data into pricing/estimating software.
• Source and evaluate suppliers, obtain competitive quotes and negotiate pricing.
• Manage and monitor project costs, ensuring budgets are met and cost control measures are in place.
• Coordinate planning and logistics requirements with project teams and suppliers.
• Review tender and contract documents to identify risks and cost implications.
• Maintain accurate records and produce clear reporting for bids and procurement activities.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Estimating Software

Cost Estimating

Quantity Takeoff

Tender Pricing

Quoting

Supplier Negotiation

Procurement

Project Cost Control

Logistics Planning

Drawing Interpretation

Engineering Fundamentals

Stakeholder Communication

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Contract Review

Budget Forecasting

Risk Assessment

Sourcing

Education

Diploma or equivalent experience

Tools

Estimating Software

Job description

Job Title

Estimator

Description

We are urgently seeking an experienced Estimator to join our team based in PMB (Pietermaritzburg). The successful candidate will prepare accurate cost estimates and quotations by extracting information from drawings, transferring data into pricing programs, liaising with suppliers and internal teams, and managing project costs. This role requires strong Microsoft Excel skills, attention to detail, and proven experience in tender pricing and negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, quotations and tender submissions.
• Extract quantities and technical information from drawings and input data into pricing/estimating software.
• Source and evaluate suppliers, obtain competitive quotes and negotiate pricing.
• Manage and monitor project costs, ensuring budgets are met and cost control measures are in place.
• Coordinate planning and logistics requirements with project teams and suppliers.
• Review tender and contract documents to identify risks and cost implications.
• Maintain accurate records and produce clear reporting for bids and procurement activities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an estimator, cost estimator, or in a similar quoting/pricing role.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles and the ability to interpret technical drawings is an advantage.
• Experience in tender pricing, negotiation and supplier management.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and sourcing practices.
• Located in or willing to commute to PMB.
• Relevant trade qualification, diploma or equivalent experience preferred.

Skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Estimating Software
• Cost Estimating
• Quantity Takeoff
• Tender Pricing
• Quoting
• Supplier Negotiation
• Procurement
• Project Cost Control
• Logistics Planning
• Drawing Interpretation
• Engineering Fundamentals
• Stakeholder Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Contract Review
• Budget Forecasting
• Risk Assessment
• Sourcing

Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience and skill set.

. Skillset Required: Microsoft Excel, Estimating Software, Cost Estimating, Quantity Takeoff, Tender Pricing, Quoting, Supplier Negotiation, Procurement, Project Cost Control, Logistics Planning, Drawing Interpretation, Engineering Fundamentals, Stakeholder Communication, Attention to Detail, Time Management, Contract Review, Budget Forecasting, Risk Assessment, Sourcing