Estimation Manager – Oil & Gas (Shutdown & Turnaround)
Role Overview
The Estimation Manager is responsible for leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates for shutdowns, turnarounds (TAR), and maintenance projects in oil & gas facilities. This role plays a critical part in project bidding, budgeting, and cost control, ensuring alignment with technical scope, schedules, and client requirements.
Key Responsibilities
📊 Cost Estimation & Tendering
- Lead the development of detailed cost estimates for shutdown and turnaround projects
- Analyze RFQs (Requests for Quotation), drawings, and technical specifications
- Prepare BOQs (Bill of Quantities) and cost breakdown structures
- Review client scope and identify cost risks and opportunities
- Develop competitive pricing strategies for tenders
🔧 Technical Evaluation
- Coordinate with engineering, planning, and operations teams to validate scope
- Evaluate manpower, equipment, and material requirements
- Understand mechanical, piping, static equipment, and rotating equipment scopes
- Assess subcontractor quotations and vendor pricing
📅 Shutdown & Turnaround Planning Support
- Work closely with planners to align cost estimates with schedules
- Factor in critical path activities, resource loading, and constraints
- Support pre-shutdown budgeting and forecasting
💰 Cost Control & Risk Analysis
- Identify cost drivers and perform sensitivity analysis
- Conduct risk assessments and include contingencies
- Benchmark costs using historical data from previous TAR projects
- Support post-bid clarifications and negotiations
🤝 Stakeholder Coordination
- Liaise with clients, project managers, and procurement teams
- Participate in bid meetings and technical-commercial discussions
- Lead estimation review meetings and approvals
📁 Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain estimation databases and cost libraries
- Prepare reports, bid summaries, and management presentations
- Ensure proper documentation for audit and future reference
Requirements & Qualifications
🎓 Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
💼 Experience
- Typically 8–15 years in oil & gas estimation, with strong exposure to shutdowns/turnarounds
- Prior experience in EPC, maintenance, or refinery/petrochemical projects preferred
🧠 Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of TAR activities (inspection, repair, replacement, overhauls)
- Familiarity with industry standards and codes (e.g., API, ASME)
- Expertise in estimation tools and software (e.g., Excel, cost estimation systems)
- Understanding of planning tools (Primavera P6 is an advantage)
📈 Commercial Skills
- Strong understanding of contracts, pricing strategies, and commercial risk
- Ability to analyze subcontractor and vendor quotations
🤝 Soft Skills
- Leadership and team management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication and negotiation abilities
- Attention to detail under tight deadlines
Working Environment
- Office-based with coordination across project sites
- May require travel to refineries, offshore/onshore facilities during pre-bid or execution phases
- High-pressure deadlines during shutdown tendering cycles
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Accuracy of estimates vs. actual project costs
- Bid success rate (win ratio)
- Timely submission of tenders
- Cost optimization and margin achievement
Career Path
- Estimation Engineer → Senior Estimator → Estimation Manager → Commercial Manager → Project Director
