Job Description: Estimation Engineer (Construction & Fit-Out)
Job Summary
The Estimation Engineer is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates, tender submissions, and commercial proposals for construction and fit-out projects. The role involves reviewing drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BOQs), conducting quantity take-offs, obtaining supplier and subcontractor quotations, and analyzing project costs to support competitive and profitable bids. The Estimation Engineer works closely with the business development, procurement, commercial, and project teams to ensure timely and accurate bid preparation.
Key Responsibilities
- Review tender documents, drawings, specifications, and BOQs to determine project requirements.
- Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates for construction and interior fit-out projects.
- Analyze project scope and identify cost risks, exclusions, and value engineering opportunities.
- Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
- Prepare comparative cost analyses and recommend the most cost-effective procurement options.
- Develop detailed cost breakdowns for materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs.
- Prepare technical and commercial tender submissions within specified deadlines.
- Coordinate with design, engineering, procurement, and project teams to clarify tender requirements.
- Attend site visits and pre-bid meetings to assess project conditions and identify potential cost implications.
- Maintain updated cost databases, material price lists, labor rates, and historical project cost records.
- Support contract negotiations by providing commercial and technical cost information.
- Assist with budget preparation, change order pricing, and variation estimates during project execution.
- Monitor market trends, material costs, and industry benchmarks to improve estimate accuracy.
- Ensure estimates comply with client specifications, company standards, and contractual requirements.
- Participate in post-tender reviews to evaluate estimate accuracy and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field.
- 3–8 years of experience in estimating for construction, interior fit-out, or MEP projects.
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, BOQs, and cost estimating principles.
- Experience preparing competitive tenders for commercial, residential, hospitality, retail, or industrial projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software such as CostX, Planswift, Candy, Bluebeam, or similar tools.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD and the ability to interpret engineering and architectural drawings.
- Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to work under tight tender deadlines.
Preferred Skills
- Quantity take-off and cost estimation.
- Tender preparation and bid management.
- Value engineering and cost optimization.
- Vendor and subcontractor evaluation.
- Commercial awareness and contract fundamentals.
- Cost planning and budgeting.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of local construction codes and market pricing.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Accuracy of project cost estimates versus actual project costs.
- Timely submission of tenders and commercial proposals.
- Tender success and bid win rate.
- Cost savings achieved through value engineering.
- Accuracy of quantity take-offs and BOQs.
- Supplier and subcontractor quotation turnaround time.
- Compliance with tender specifications and submission requirements.
- Reduction in estimation errors and commercial risks.
- Maintenance of updated cost databases and estimating records.
