Senior Estimator

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’.

As a Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for leading the estimation and costing process for construction projects within the organisation. You will utilise your expertise in quantity surveying, cost analysis, and project management to accurately assess project requirements, prepare detailed cost estimates, and support the tendering and bidding process. Requirement is to estimate the following works on an EHV DNO framework contract.

• Review project documentation, including drawings, specifications, and scope of work, to understand project requirements, constraints, and deliverables.
• Conduct site visits and assessments, liaise with clients and stakeholders, and gather relevant information to inform the estimation process.

• Prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects, including materials, labour, equipment, subcontractor services, and overhead costs.
• Utilise estimating software, historical data, industry benchmarks, and market rates to develop comprehensive cost models and pricing proposals.

• Perform quantity take off and measurement of materials, components, and work activities based on project specifications and drawings.
• Calculate quantities, volumes, and dimensions of construction elements, and apply unit rates and pricing to determine material and labour costs.

• Analyse cost data, identify cost drivers and variances, and assess the impact of design changes, value engineering proposals, and project risks on project costs.
• Develop pricing strategies, markups, and margins based on project requirements, market conditions, and competitive factors to maximise profitability and win rates.

• Prepare tender documents, including bills of quantities, pricing schedules, and technical proposals, in accordance with client requirements and tender specifications.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants to obtain pricing, quotations, and technical submissions for inclusion in tender bids.

• Manage the tendering process, including bid submissions, clarifications, and negotiations with clients, subcontractors and suppliers to secure contracts and favourable terms.
• Collaborate with business development teams, project managers, and senior management to develop winning bid strategies and proposals.

• Identify potential risks, uncertainties, and contingencies associated with project estimates and bids, and develop risk mitigation strategies to minimise exposure and ensure project viability.
• Conduct sensitivity analysis, scenario modelling, and cost‑benefit analysis to assess the financial implications of risk factors and decision alternatives.

• Proven experience as an estimator or quantity surveyor in the construction industry, with a track record of successfully estimating and bidding on construction projects ICP or DNO Framework
  132 / 66 / 33kV substation projects from a turnkey design, civil and electrical perspective. ICP / DNO Framework 132 / 66 / 33kV cable route pricing knowledge from a design / civil / electrical perspective is desirable.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, materials, and techniques, with expertise in quantity surveying, cost analysis, and contract pricing. First principles electrical knowledge, and detailed civil knowledge of 132 / 66 / 33kV…