Estimating Manager

Job Description:

Estimating Manager (MEICA)

Location: Ilkeston, Derbyshire

Role: Permanent, Monday-Friday (Hybrid: 2/3 days onsite), 45 hrs

Salary: Up to £80k + Car Allowance, dependant on candidate experience

Project Partners are recruiting now for an Estimating Manager based in or around Derby. Have you got previous water industry experience and ready for a new challenge? Are you a Senior Estimator looking for progression? We want to hear from you!

The MEICA Estimating Manager plays a pivotal role in the successful delivery of competitive bids and project tenders within the UK water industry. This position is responsible for the comprehensive review, validation, and coordination of cost estimates related to Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation (MEICA) works across water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

The role encompasses the critical evaluation of tender documentation, including specifications, drawings, schedules, and contract conditions, to accurately define scope, identify risks, and develop commercially viable pricing strategies. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams including design engineers, procurement specialists, project managers, and commercial leads, the Estimating Manager ensures that all technical, commercial, and delivery assumptions are aligned with client expectations and industry benchmarks.

Role Summary:

• Lead and manage discipline estimators in preparing cost estimates for tenders
• Tender & Cost Estimation: Provide accurate and detailed cost estimates for MEICA-related projects, including material, labour, and subcontractor costs.
• Tender Analysis: Review and interpret tender documents, specifications, drawings attend site as needed to assess and define scope.
• Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate project risks, providing appropriate contingencies.
• Supplier & Subcontractor Liaison: Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure cost competitiveness.
• Value Engineering: Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements while maintaining quality standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Maintain strong stakeholder relationships across internal and external stakeholders, and the supply chain.
• Compliance & Regulations: Ensure all cost estimates comply with UK water industry standards, health & safety regulations, and company policies.
• Proposal Preparation: Assist in the preparation of bid submissions, cost breakdowns, and commercial documentation.
• Post-Tender Support: Participate in negotiations and contract handovers, supporting the transition from estimation to project execution.

Key Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of MEICA engineering principles and processes.
• Demonstrable experience in cost estimation within the UK water sector.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• High proficiency in estimation software and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and NEC 3/4 contract documents.
• Strong leadership, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong, sharp, commercial acumen, and ability to assess project profitability.
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in estimating MEICA projects within the water industry.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and UK water industry frameworks.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIBSE, IMechE, IET, IChemE).
• Experience using estimation software such as Candy, Conquest, or similar tools.
• Understanding of BIM (Building Information Modelling) and digital engineering practices.

Benefits:

- Competitive Salary

- 25 days annual leave

- Access to Group Pension Scheme

- Life Assurance and Critical Illness cover

- Healthcare cover for employee only

- Access to Employee Assistance Programme & Medicash

- Continuous Development Opportunities