Senior Estimator - Transmission & Substations

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

nGAGE Talent Limited is seeking a Senior Estimator in Johannesburg to lead the preparation of competitive tenders for large-scale power infrastructure projects. You will own the full tender life cycle, delivering technically sound and commercially competitive proposals to secure EPC/EPCM opportunities.

Join a commercially astute team working with engineering, procurement, planning and commercial groups to craft winning bid strategies and provide leadership throughout the tender process.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Electrical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Extensive estimating experience within transmission, substations, power infrastructure or major EPC projects.
• Proven track record of pricing and securing large-scale engineering projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and contract understanding.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-value tenders under demanding deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and submission of complex technical and commercial tenders.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies for transmission and substation projects.
• Manage the entire estimating process from bid evaluation through to final submission.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary bid teams to ensure high-quality, compliant submissions.
• Support bid clarification meetings and commercial negotiations where required.
• Analyse drawings, specs and contract docs to prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Produce BOQs and detailed pricing models.
• Obtain, evaluate and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop cost build-ups, unit rates and benchmarking databases.
• Conduct commercial risk assessments and contingencies.
• Present pricing strategies and recommendations to senior leadership.

Skills

Negotiation

Bid Management

Stakeholder Management

Analytical skills

Costing

Education

Electrical Engineering

Quantity Surveying

Construction Management

Tools

Candy CCS

Job description

Shape the Success of Major Grid Infrastructure Projects

An established engineering and infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead the preparation of competitive tenders for large-scale power infrastructure projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute estimating professional with extensive experience in transmission, substations, and high-voltage infrastructure to play a pivotal role in securing major EPC and EPCM projects across the energy sector.

The Opportunity

As a senior member of the estimating function, you will take ownership of the complete tendering process-from bid qualification through to final submission-ensuring technically sound, commercially competitive proposals that position the business for continued growth.

Working closely with engineering, construction, procurement, planning and commercial teams, you'll develop winning bid strategies while providing technical and commercial leadership throughout the tender lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Tender & Bid Management

• Lead the preparation and submission of complex technical and commercial tenders.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies for transmission and substation projects.
• Manage the entire estimating process from bid evaluation through to final submission.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary bid teams to ensure high-quality, compliant submissions.
• Support bid clarification meetings and commercial negotiations where required.

Estimating & Commercial Analysis

• Analyse engineering drawings, specifications and contract documentation to prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Produce Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and detailed pricing models.
• Obtain, evaluate and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop detailed cost build-ups, unit rates and benchmarking databases.
• Conduct commercial risk assessments and recommend appropriate contingencies.
• Present pricing strategies and commercial recommendations to senior leadership.

Project Strategy

• Participate in bid/no-bid evaluations and tender strategy development.
• Identify commercial risks, value engineering opportunities and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Develop innovative solutions that improve competitiveness while maintaining project viability.
• Support planning teams with programme development for tender submissions.

Leadership

• Mentor and support junior estimators.
• Contribute to the development of estimating systems, cost databases and best-practice methodologies.
• Promote continuous improvement within the estimating function.

About You

• Qualification in Electrical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Extensive estimating experience within transmission, substations, power infrastructure or major EPC projects.
• Proven track record of successfully pricing and securing large-scale engineering projects.
• Strong commercial awareness and contract understanding.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-value tenders under demanding deadlines.

Highly Desirable Experience

• High-voltage transmission and distribution infrastructure.
• Utility-scale substation projects.
• EPC or EPCM contracting environments.
• Experience using estimating software such as Candy CCS or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, planning, risk management and cost control.
• Experience presenting commercial submissions to executive leadership and clients.

Why Apply?

• Work on some of the region's largest power infrastructure projects.
• Join a respected engineering contractor with a strong pipeline of opportunities.
• Lead high-value tenders that shape the future of critical energy infrastructure.
• Excellent career progression within a growing business.
• Competitive remuneration package and long-term career prospects.

If you're an experienced estimator looking to take ownership of major grid infrastructure bids and play a key role in winning landmark projects, we'd welcome a confidential discussion.