As we continue to deliver on our current growth, OCU Group has been experiencing a sustained period of growth and expansion. Due to this and our continued work winning success, we currently have an exciting new opportunity for an experienced Estimating Manager to come and join us in Borehamwood.

Your primary responsibility will be to support the pre-construction phase of projects on the SSEN ED2 Framework by providing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates and providing day-to-day management support for the Estimating Team on the ED2 Framework. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that projects are financially viable, competitive, and aligned with client expectations. Your expertise will help to secure profitable contracts and deliver projects within budget.

Working closely with the Estimating Team, project managers, engineers, designers and other stakeholders, you will analyze bid specifications, drawings, and project documents to develop a thorough understanding of project requirements. This will involve preparing estimates from framework rates and first principles, and managing the Framework Estimating Team to ensure bids are developed on time and to the required standard.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cost Estimation: Preparation of Estimates from First Principles using Causeway Estimating software / and the Microsoft Office Suite

• Bid Analysis: Evaluate bid specifications, drawings, and other project documents to develop a comprehensive understanding of project requirements and identify potential risks or opportunities.

• Quantity Takeoffs: Perform quantity takeoffs from architectural and engineering drawings to determine required quantities of materials, labor, and equipment.

• Subcontractor Management: Where required, collaborate with subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing for materials and services, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery

• Cost Analysis: Conduct cost analysis of alternative materials, methods, and design changes, providing recommendations to optimize project costs while maintaining quality standards.

• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and uncertainties associated with construction projects, propose mitigation strategies, and communicate findings to relevant parties.

• Documentation: Prepare and maintain accurate documentation of estimating activities, including records of assumptions, methodologies, and pricing sources

• Collaboration: Work closely with Estimators, project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to clarify project requirements, resolve issues, and ensure alignment between estimated costs and project scope

• Tender Ownership and Settlement: The Estimator will have full responsibility for their bids, and will be expected to deliver a ‘cradle to grave’ approach, from receipt to final financial settlement with Senior Management prior to submission

• Site Visits: Attend tender-stage site visits to gather additional information which may affect the bid and highlight any specific challenges to be overcome in order to provide a competitive offer.

Skills and Experience:

• Education: A degree or HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent work experience will also be considered.

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as an Estimator in the construction industry, with a strong background in estimating Power (Distribution / Transmission / Turnkey Substations / Renewables / Utilities / Framework) projects being essential. Working knowledge of NEC3 / NEC4 / FIDIC contracts desirable. Candidate should be able to display experience in being able to manage a small but fast-paced team at a Framework level.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g., Causeway, ConQuest, Candy) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex project specifications and drawings.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to present to mixed audiences

• Time Management: Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Team Player: Ability to work effectively in a team environment, fostering collaboration and building positive relationships with colleagues and project stakeholders.

Company Information

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.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

We celebrate difference and appreciate diverse backgrounds. We encourage everyone who join us to be themselves at work and create inclusive teams in our workplace.