Senior Water / M&E Estimator

1. OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.
2. OCU have an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Estimator with a water and utilities background to join our team based in Taunton or Bridgend.
3. We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

Due to significant growth over the course of 2024 OCU have an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Estimator with a water and utilities background to join our team based in Taunton or Bridgend.

The purpose of the role is to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for utility and M&E projects, ensuring that all bids are profitable and meet company standards. The Estimator will work closely with the project management and quantity surveying teams to support the successful delivery of projects.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Cost Estimation:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for projects, including materials, labour, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Develop and maintain cost databases and estimating templates.

Bid Preparation:

• Analyse tender documents, specifications, and drawings to understand project scope and requirements.
• Coordinate and compile all aspects of the bid process, including tender submissions and pre-qualification questionnaires.
• Work with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive quotes.

Risk Analysis:

• Identify and assess potential risks associated with project estimates.
• Develop mitigation strategies and incorporate risk contingencies into cost estimates.

Cost Management:

• Monitor and control project costs throughout the bidding and construction phases.
• Provide cost advice and support to project teams during project execution.

Market Analysis:

• Conduct market research to understand current trends, material costs, and labour rates.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments and innovations that may impact cost estimates.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Liaise with project managers, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders to gather necessary information for accurate estimates.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with all relevant parties throughout the estimating process.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Prepare and present detailed cost reports and bid summaries to senior management.
• Maintain accurate records of all estimates, bids, and associated documentation.

Skills & Experience:

Education:

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Membership with a professional body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is advantageous.

Experience:

• Proven experience as an Estimator within the construction industry.
• Experience in preparing estimates for a variety of project types, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure.

Skills:

• An experienced Estimator with a strong background in Utilities / Water and M&E.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Proficient in using estimating software and tools (e.g., CostX, Conquest, Candy).
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Full UK driving license.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and client meetings as required.

Company Background:

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.