Overview
Our client who is a specialist electrical engineering consultancy, focused on data centres and high-voltage infrastructure projects
The HV Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive and well-documented cost estimates for MV/HV substation projects tendered by the client under EPC and design-and-build contracts. The role translates tender documents, technical specifications and drawings into complete cost models covering equipment, materials, labour, subcontracts, engineering, logistics, site establishment and risk, providing the commercial foundation for every bid the company submits.
Working closely with the Bid Management, Design Engineering (Concept stage), Procurement and Project Delivery teams, the HV Estimator ensures that estimates reflect realistic execution methods, current market pricing and an appropriate allowance for risk and contingency. The role also maintains and develops the organizations cost database and estimating tools, and supports the handover of tender estimates into project budgets once contracts are awarded
Key Responsibilities:
Tender Analysis & Cost Estimating
- Review tender documents, technical specifications, drawings and contract conditions to define the scope and basis of estimate.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates (development of BOQ's) for MV/HV substations, transformer stations, switchgear upgrades, MV distribution and grid connection projects.
- Carry out quantity take-offs from single-line diagrams, layouts and civil drawings for equipment, cables, earthing, steel structures and civil works.
- Build up labour estimates for installation, testing and commissioning using company productivity norms and crew rates.
- Prepare budgetary and order-of-magnitude estimates for early-stage opportunities and client feasibility requests.
Supplier & Subcontractor Pricing
- Prepare and issue RFQs to suppliers and subcontractors for major equipment (power transformers, GIS/AIS switchgear, protection & control panels, cables) and civil and installation works.
- Analyse, normalise and compare quotations, identifying scope gaps, exclusions and commercial risks.
- Work with Procurement to secure competitive pricing, realistic lead times and framework agreements.
- Maintain an up-to-date network of qualified suppliers and subcontractors in the Nordic and wider European markets.
- Account for logistics, freight, customs, currency exposure and price escalation in all estimates.
Risk, Contingency & Bid Strategy
- Identify cost and execution risks and opportunities, and quantify contingency together with the Bid Manager and Project Delivery team.
- Contribute to bid strategy, pricing options and value-engineering proposals to improve competitiveness.
- Prepare clear estimate summaries, basis-of-estimate documents, assumptions, qualifications and exclusions for internal approval.
- Present estimates at bid review meetings and support the company's tender approval process.
- Review contract conditions (e.g. NS 8405/NS 8407, YSE 1998, FIDIC) for cost implications, in liaison with the commercial team.
Cost Data & Estimating Tools
- Build and maintain DCS Norway's cost database, including unit rates, productivity norms, equipment prices and historical project costs.
- Develop and improve standardised estimating templates, tools and processes.
- Capture actual costs and lessons learned from completed projects to continuously improve estimate accuracy.
- Monitor market trends in equipment pricing, raw materials, labour rates and lead times.
- Ensure estimating records are complete, traceable and archived in line with the company IMS.
Handover & Project Support
- Hand over awarded tender estimates to project teams, explaining the basis of estimate, assumptions and risk allowances.
- Support Project Managers in setting up project budgets and cost breakdown structures.
- Price variations, change orders and claims during project execution.
- Support post-contract cost reviews and estimate-versus-actual analysis.
- Travel to client meetings and project sites in Norway and Finland when required (e.g. tender-stage site visits).
Required Qualifications and Competencies:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline. A recognised estimating or cost management certification (e.g. AACE, RICS) is an advantage
- Minimum 5 years' experience in cost estimating for MV/HV substation, transmission or power infrastructure projects.
- Experience estimating EPC or design-and-build contracts, ideally within a contractor environment.
- Proven track record of preparing complete tender estimates covering equipment, labour, subcontracts and risk.
- Familiarity with Nordic markets and grid-owner requirements (e.g. Statnett, Fingrid, regional DSOs) is highly desirable.
- Experience running supplier RFQ processes and the commercial evaluation of quotations
Technical Skills:
- Sound technical understanding of substation equipment and systems: power transformers, switchgear, protection & control, cables, earthing and civil/structural works.
- Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams, layouts, technical specifications and civil drawings.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (complex cost models, pivot tables, lookups); experience with estimating or take-off software (e.g. CostX, Candy, Bluebeam) is an advantage.
- Understanding of contract forms and commercial terms used in the Nordics and internationally (NS 8405/8407, YSE 1998, FIDIC).
- Knowledge of the standards and regulations that drive scope and cost (e.g. IEC 61936-1, IEC 62271, NEK 440, FSE) is an advantage.
- Working knowledge of risk analysis and contingency methods (e.g. Monte Carlo, P50/P90) is a plus.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication in English (Portuguese is considered a plus).
- Must hold the right to work in the EU/EEA and be available for occasional travel to Norway, and Finland and other locations the Group is pricing projects in..
- Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities.
- High attention to detail and an analytical mindset, with the ability to work accurately under tight tender deadlines.
- Confident communicator, able to present and justify estimates to senior management.
- Collaborative team player, working effectively across engineering, procurement and project teams
ewi is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. ewi is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
HV Estimator
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