Senior Bid Estimating Manager; Rr-R1

Our client, a leading construction and engineering group with a strategic focus on civil engineering and infrastructure development, is seeking an accomplished Senior Bid Estimating Manager to lead the estimating and tender‑pricing function for major infrastructure projects.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing accurate, competitive and risk‑adjusted tender estimates, ensuring that bids are technically sound, commercially viable and aligned with the Group’s strategic growth objectives.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record within a recognised medium‑sized to Tier 1 civil engineering contractor, with substantial experience in CIDB Grade 9CE projects and infrastructure contracts valued at R500 million or more
. Demonstrable involvement in the successful pricing and award of billion‑rand and multi‑billion‑rand infrastructure contracts is essential.

This is a senior technical and commercial leadership opportunity for an estimating professional with advanced first‑principles estimating expertise, strong commercial judgement, hands‑on CCS Candy proficiency and the ability to lead multidisciplinary bid teams through complex tender processes.

• A minimum of 12 years’ experience in civil engineering estimating, tendering and pre‑contract commercial functions.
• At least five years in a senior estimating management or estimating leadership position.
• Substantial experience with a recognised medium‑sized to Tier 1 civil engineering or infrastructure contractor operating at CIDB Grade 9CE complexity.
• A verifiable track record of personally leading or materially contributing to the pricing and successful award of civil engineering contracts valued individually at R500 million or more.
• Credible exposure to billion‑rand and multi‑billion‑rand infrastructure tenders.
• Advanced first‑principles estimating experience across roads, bulk earthworks, layer works, asphalt, structures, drainage, water infrastructure and major subcontract packages.
• Advanced, hands‑on CCS Candy proficiency, including estimate development, resource analysis, rate build‑ups, tender reviews and finalisation.
• Strong knowledge of FIDIC, NEC and GCC contract conditions, together with applicable South African public‑sector procurement and tender requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary bid teams and presenting estimates to senior management and executive adjudication committees.
• Experience managing tender risk, pricing strategy, cost reconciliation and pre‑contract handover. Professional registration with SACQSP, ECSA, RICS or an equivalent recognised professional body, where applicable.
• A postgraduate qualification in Commercial Management, Construction Economics, Project Management or Business Administration.
• Experience in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), design‑and‑build, Public‑Private Partnerships (PPP), alliance contracting or other complex infrastructure delivery models.
• Exposure to cross‑border infrastructure projects and SADC markets.
  • A bachelor’s degree, BTech or equivalent qualification in one of the following disciplines:
  • Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management ,Construction Economics
• Another directly relevant technical or commercial construction discipline
• TECHNICAL AND LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
• Advanced estimating expertise: First‑principles pricing, cost build‑ups, production analysis and estimate reconciliation.
• CCS Candy proficiency: Ability to develop, interrogate, audit and finalise complex infrastructure tender estimates.
• Civil engineering knowledge: Strong understanding of earthworks, roads, pavement layers, asphalt, concrete structures, drainage, water infrastructure and…