Senior Estimator - Large Scale Construction Projects

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Sandton office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Senior Estimator for its pre-construction team in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on delivering accurate cost estimates for commercial, residential and industrial projects, reviewing plans, specs and tender documents to support competitive bids.

You will perform take-offs, price materials and labour, analyze market data, and collaborate with project managers, engineers and architects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM, QS, CE or related field.
• 7+ years in construction estimating for large-scale projects.
• Experience with CCS Candy or Sage Estimating and Excel.
• Review plans, specs and tenders for accurate costings.
• Based in Sandton or willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, and tender documents to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Perform quantity take-offs for materials, labour and equipment.
• Analyze cost data and market trends to ensure competitive pricing.
• Prepare bid proposals and present to management and clients.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers and architects during tendering.
• Identify cost risks and opportunities and propose value engineering solutions.
• Maintain supplier and subcontractor quotes and negotiate pricing.
• Ensure estimates meet tender requirements and deadlines.
• Stay updated on industry trends and construction technologies.
• Assist post-bid analysis and reconciliation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Quantitative analysis

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Pressure management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Quantity Surveying/Civil Engineering

Tools

CCS Candy

Sage Estimating

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading construction and development company, is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Senior Estimator to join their pre-construction team in Sandton, Gauteng . This critical role involves providing accurate cost estimations for a wide range of large-scale construction projects, including commercial, residential, and potentially industrial developments. You will be responsible for analyzing project plans, specifications, and tender documents to produce detailed cost breakdowns, quantify materials, and develop competitive bids. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and market pricing, with exceptional numerical and analytical skills. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator to contribute to high-profile projects in Sandton and advance their career in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, and tender documents to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Perform quantity take-offs for all project elements, including materials, labour, and equipment.
• Analyze historical cost data and current market trends to ensure accurate pricing.
• Prepare comprehensive bid proposals and present them to management and clients.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects during the tendering phase.
• Identify potential cost risks and opportunities, proposing value engineering solutions.
• Maintain a database of suppliers and subcontractors, obtaining quotes and negotiating pricing.
• Ensure all estimates are compliant with tender requirements and deadlines.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new materials, and construction technologies.
• Assist in the preparation of post-bid analysis and reconciliation.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in construction estimating, with a focus on large-scale projects.
• Proven experience in estimating commercial, residential, and/or industrial construction projects.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., CCS Candy, Sage Estimating) and MS Excel.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and pricing.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Sandton, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in estimation techniques.
• Involvement in exciting and significant construction projects in Gauteng .
• A modern office environment in a prime Sandton location.