Senior Estimator (Electrical Industrial Projects)
Reporting to: Head of Estimating
Overview
An established electrical contracting organisation is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead the estimating process for complex and high-value electrical construction projects across multiple market sectors.
This role is responsible for evaluating bid opportunities, performing detailed take-offs, developing comprehensive cost estimates, coordinating vendor and subcontractor pricing, and supporting the successful handover of awarded projects to project delivery teams.
The Senior Estimator also plays a key role in supporting business development initiatives, mentoring estimating staff, and ensuring that estimates accurately reflect project scope, labour productivity, labour agreements, schedules, and contractual requirements. The role works closely with senior leadership, operations, project management, and commercial teams to support continued growth while maintaining strong safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating Leadership
- Lead the preparation of detailed electrical estimates for projects of varying size, scope, and complexity.
- Evaluate bid opportunities and provide insight into project risk, labour requirements, schedules, and overall feasibility.
- Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ensure complete and accurate scope coverage.
- Establish estimating strategies aligned with market conditions and organisational objectives.
- Maintain estimating standards and best practices across projects.
Estimate Development & Execution
- Perform detailed labour and material take-offs using industry-standard estimating software.
- Maintain and update estimating databases including labour units, labour rates, tax rates, and regional adjustments.
- Solicit and review vendor and supplier pricing to ensure scope alignment and competitive cost structures.
- Develop clear scopes of work, clarifications, and assumptions within each estimate.
- Collaborate with leadership to finalise pricing strategy, mark-ups, and bid approach.
- Submit completed estimates and required bid documentation.
Labour & Compliance Awareness
- Incorporate applicable labour agreements, wage rates, work rules, and jurisdictional requirements into estimates.
- Understand labour productivity considerations associated with union electrical construction.
- Ensure compliance with relevant labour regulations and industry standards.
Project Handover & Preconstruction Support
- Conduct detailed estimate handover meetings with project management teams following project award.
- Support delivery teams with budget clarification, value engineering options, and change order pricing.
- Assist with preconstruction planning, scheduling input, and constructability reviews.
Collaboration & Mentorship
- Mentor and support junior estimators within the estimating function.
- Provide estimating support to regional teams where required.
- Collaborate with business development, operations, and project management teams.
- Participate in client meetings, site visits, and pre-bid walkthroughs where necessary.
Qualifications
- 7–10+ years’ experience in electrical construction estimating or project management within the industrial or commercial contracting sector.
- Strong proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Accubid or similar), Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.
- In-depth knowledge of electrical systems, construction methods, and industry practices.
- Proven experience estimating large-scale or complex electrical construction projects.
- Strong understanding of project scheduling, sequencing, and coordination with other trades.
- Experience using construction management and project software (e.g., Bluebeam, Primavera, Viewpoint or similar).
- Familiarity with building codes, regulations, and safety standards.
- Experience estimating projects across multiple regions or jurisdictions is preferred.
- Prior experience mentoring or supervising team members within an estimating function.
- Experience working with negotiated work, design-build, design-assist, and competitive tendering environments.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work under deadline.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent industry experience).
