Electrical Estimator

1st Step Solutions are supporting a M&E Contractor who have an opportunity for an Electrical Estimator on a permanent basis based in Northampton.

Job Overview:
The Electrical Estimator is responsible for the preparation of accurate and commercially competitive cost estimates and tender submissions for residential and mixed-use developments within the Division. The role supports the successful acquisition of projects by providing robust cost planning, technical assessment, and commercial input throughout the pre-construction process.

Key Responsibilities

Review tender enquiries, drawings, specifications, employer's requirements, and contract documentation.
Prepare detailed electrical estimates and cost plans for residential and mixed-use developments.
Complete accurate take-offs for electrical installations including power, lighting, fire alarms, containment, security systems, EV charging infrastructure, renewable technologies, and associated builders' works.
Develop labour and resource calculations to support tender pricing.
Obtain, analyse, and evaluate quotations from suppliers and specialist subcontractors.
Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative design solutions.
Assess project risks and opportunities and incorporate these into tender submissions.
Produce comprehensive tender adjudication documentation and pricing summaries.
Participate in tender review meetings and bid strategy discussions.
Liaise with clients, consultants, housing developers, architects, and design teams to clarify technical and commercial requirements.
Support negotiations and post-tender discussions with customers.
Work collaboratively with design, commercial, and operational teams to ensure successful project handover.
Assist in developing budgets during early contractor involvement (ECI) and design-and-build procurement stages.
Maintain awareness of current market rates, supply chain conditions, and labour availability.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of estimating databases, benchmark information, and standard pricing models.
Review completed projects to compare estimated and actual costs and identify lessons learned.
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Living Division.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential

Proven experience as an Electrical Estimator within the building services industry
Strong understanding of electrical installations associated with residential developments, including apartments, student accommodation, affordable housing, and build-to-rent schemes.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
Experience pricing projects from first principles and analysing supplier and subcontractor quotations.
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project profitability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Excellent organisational, communication, and negotiation skills.
Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.

Desirable

Experience with in large-scale residential developments.
HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience using estimating software such as Trimble, Estimation, Ensign, Amtech, or similar.
Knowledge of design-and-build procurement routes.
Understanding of renewable technologies, EV charging infrastructure, and modern methods of construction (MMC).On

Offer:

Competitive salary
25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days with service), plus bank holidays
Company car scheme
Private healthcare and life insurance
Pension scheme with 5.5% employer contribution
Enhanced maternity and adoption pay: 13 weeks full pay followed by 26 weeks SMP
Enhanced paternity pay: 2 weeks full pay, available consecutively or flexibly
Employee-owned business structure
Flexible holiday scheme