Junior / Assistant Estimator

As part of the continued growth across the OCU Group portfolio of companies, new opportunities are always on the horizon. Due to this development we now have a requirement for a Junior / Assistant Estimator to join our Power Division across our Iver, Borehamwood, Reading and Finchampstead offices . The purpose of the role will be to support the pre-construction phase of the projects by providing support to the Estimating team. You will play a crucial role in the ensuring that key elements of the bid are assembled in a detailed, organised fashion.
Working closely with the estimating team, you will analyse bid specifications, drawings, and project documents to develop a thorough understanding of project requirements. This will involve conducting detailed quantity take-offs from engineering drawings to determine the quantities of materials, labour, and equipment needed for each project and obtaining costs from the market to feed into the bid. You will also assist in preparing estimates from first principles

Responsibilities

• Cost Estimation: Assist in the preparation of Estimates from First Principles using Estimating software / and the Microsoft Office Suite
• Estimation Support: Assist estimators in preparing accurate cost estimates by organizing tender documents, conducting quantity takeoffs, sourcing pricing information, analyzing project specifications and providing general assistance to the estimators where required during the bid process.
• Quantity Takeoffs: Perform quantity takeoffs from architectural and engineering drawings to determine required quantities of materials, labor, and equipment.
• Pricing Enquiries: Where required, collaborate with the supply chain to obtain competitive pricing for materials and services, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery.
• Subcontractor Enquiries: Where required, collaborate with subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing for materials and services, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery.
• Portal Management: Monitor the various portals for new information received from the client relating to live bids, retrieve these messages and files and distribute to the bid team.
• Document Control: Prepare and maintain accurate documentation of estimating activities, including records of assumptions, methodologies, quotations and Tender Queries
• Collaboration: Work closely with estimators, project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to clarify project requirements, resolve issues, and ensure alignment between estimated costs and project scope
• Site Visits: Attend tender-stage site visits to gather additional information which may affect the bid and highlight any specific challenges to be overcome in order to provide a competitive offer.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate for the role.

Skills & Experience

• Education: HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent work experience will also be considered.

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience as an Assistant Estimator in the construction industry, with a strong background in utilities projects being desirable.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in construction estimating software and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

• Analytical Skills: Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex project specifications and drawings.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to present to mixed audiences.

• Time Management: Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Team Player: Ability to work effectively in a team environment, fostering collaboration and building positive relationships with colleagues and project stakeholders.

• Driving License: Essential.

Company Information

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’.

We celebrate difference and appreciate diverse backgrounds. We encourage everyone who join us to be themselves at work and create inclusive teams in our workplace