Estimator

POST: Estimator

REPORTS TO: Estimating Manager

DEPARTMENT: Estimating

ROLE DEFINITION

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive and commercially robust submissions for allocated tenders, supporting Phoenix ME in securing profitable and deliverable projects. This could be either working on individually assigned estimates or supporting more senior staff on major or complex tenders. The role holder will manage the day-to-day estimating activities for their allocated work, from receipt of the initial enquiry through to pricing, submission, post-tender negotiations and project handover.

The Estimator will coordinate supply-chain enquiries, undertake measurements, prepare detailed cost build-ups and work with internal departments to ensure the estimate reflects the projects technical, commercial and operational requirements. The Estimator will communicate production issues, material pricing decisions, commercial risks and approval matters for agreement. They will identify and provide recommendations regarding price, risk and tender strategy. The Estimator will manage and provide day-to-day support to assigned staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Governance

• Lead or support allocated tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission and handover.
• Ensure tender documents are correctly received, checked and recorded.
• Establish the tender programme, key estimating deliverables, pricing strategy and team responsibilities.
• Prepare and validate detailed estimates, cost plans, preliminary requirements, labour strategies and pricing schedules.
• Complete pricing schedules, bills of quantities, cost plans, schedules of rates and estimating system inputs accurately and on time.
• Manage assigned estimating resources on a day to day basis.
• Manage supply-chain enquiries and ensure sufficient competitive quotation coverage is obtained.
• Contribute to tender review and preparation meetings and present clear pricing recommendations and outputs for agreement.
• Maintain an accurate and fully auditable record of tender calculations, quotations, decisions and revisions.
• Ensure estimates comply with Phoenix MEs procedures, approval levels and quality requirements.

Risk Awareness

• Identify design gaps, interfaces, programme constraints, logistics, procurement risks and prepare commercial qualifications.
• Maintain a clear tender audit trail covering assumptions, calculations, quotations, clarifications and approvals.
• Develop clarifications, exclusions, value-engineering proposals and risk/opportunity allowances with the tender team.
• Input to the presentation of the estimate at review and settlement meetings and incorporate authorised adjustments.
• Support the preparation and quality check of the final technical and commercial submission.

Delivery

• Take ownership of allocated tenders or activities and manage the required estimating tasks in accordance with the tender programme.
• Coordinate with Bid Support, Design, Commercial, Procurement and Operational teams throughout the tender.
• Ensure the estimate reflects design intent, buildability, programme requirements and Phoenix MEs delivery strategy.
• Undertake accurate material take-offs and pricing in line with tender requirements.
• Attend settlement meetings, site visits, client meetings, tender interviews and post-tender negotiations where required.
• Input to responses to post-tender queries and maintain control of pricing revisions.
• Input to the presentation of clear and concise Tender Settlement information
• Assist with the handover of successful tenders to the Commercial and Project Delivery teams.
• Clearly communicate the agreed scope, costs, assumptions, risks, opportunities and supply-chain strategy.
• Support the preparation and quality check of the final estimating submission.

Future Readiness

• Monitor market pricing, labour availability, material movements, lead times and supply-chain performance.
• Input to improve cost libraries, benchmarking information, estimating tools and standard templates.
• Contribute to post-tender reviews and implement relevant lessons learned.
• Mentor and support other staff.
• Promote knowledge sharing, consistent working practices and continuous improvement across the department.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Desirable

Proven experience in an estimating role within the M&E sector

X

Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail

X

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software

X

Understanding of construction methods, procurement routes, and commercial risk

X

Familiarity with Trimble or an equivalent estimating platform

X

Good M&E Technical and Commercial Knowledge

X

Basic experience working in two-stage or negotiated tendering experience

X

Basic experience of value engineering opportunities, bid strategy development and risk mitigation.

X

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities.

OUR VALUES

• Embody boldness and ambition to exceed goals by setting high personal and professional standards
• Act with courage, voicing ideas or concerns with confidence while remaining resilient in the face of challenges
• Foster empowerment by creating an environment where everyone feels capable, trusted, and supported
• Promote innovation by sharing fresh ideas and new methods to drive continuous improvement
• Champion a culture of togetherness and inclusion by acting with mutual respect and integrity