Tender and Estimation Engineer

Reports To: PM -MEP

Department: Tendering & Commercial

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Purpose

The Tender and Estimation Engineer is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimations and tender proposals for engineering and construction projects. This role involves analyzing project technical documents, conducting detailed quantity take-offs, sourcing supplier quotes, and compiling complete bid packages to secure new business.

Key Responsibilities

• Tender Evaluation: Review incoming Request for Proposals (RFPs), invitation to tenders (ITTs), and project drawings to assess scope, risks, and feasibility.
  

• Quantity Surveying & Take-offs: Perform precise material and labor quantity take-offs from architectural and engineering drawings using estimation software.
  

• Cost Estimation: Build detailed analytical cost estimates, including direct costs (materials, labor, equipment) and indirect costs (overlays, transport, site overheads).
  

• Vendor & Subcontractor Management: Source, review, and negotiate competitive quotes from material suppliers and specialized subcontractors to ensure optimal pricing.
  

• Bid Compilation: Prepare comprehensive technical and financial bid documents, ensuring strict compliance with client specifications and tender instructions.
  

• Risk Assessment: Identify potential project risks, contractual constraints, and logistical hurdles to factor into the final pricing strategy.
  

• Post-Tender Support: Assist in preparing responses to client clarifications, attend pre-tender meetings or site visits, and support contract negotiation phases.
  

Required Skills & Competencies

• Technical Drawing Literacy: Advanced ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex blueprints, structural drawings, and MEP layouts.
  

• Mathematical Precision: Exceptional numeracy skills for calculating exact volume, weights, and resource requirements without errors.
  

• Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with estimation and planning software (e.g., MS Project, or AutoCAD).
  

• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of market rates, material inflation, labor laws, and standard construction contract terms (e.g., FIDIC, JCT).
  

• Time Management: Proven ability to work under intense pressure and deliver accurate bid packages within strict, immovable deadlines.
  

• Negotiation: Excellent communication skills to negotiate pricing and contract clauses with suppliers and stakeholders.
  

Experience & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma in Mechanical or E Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Building Economics, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of active experience in tendering and cost estimation within an engineering or construction firm.