About the position
Chief Estimator - Construction
About our client
Our client undertakes a diverse portfolio of civil engineering and construction projects, delivering large-scale infrastructure across sectors such as water and sanitation schemes, treatment works, roads, railways, bridges, and dams, while also delivering high-quality buildings and real estate developments. Their expertise spans essential public works and complex engineering structures, supporting sustainable growth and modern urban development across Southern Africa.
1. Purpose of the Role
The Chief Estimator will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the estimating department, ensuring the submission of commercially competitive, technically accurate, and detailed tenders for large-scale civil engineering projects. A key mandate is to drive entry into the mining sector by leveraging industry networks, securing tender opportunities, and producing mining-specific estimates that meet stringent safety and quality standards.
2. Responsibilities
- Departmental Leadership: Lead and professionalize the estimating team, enforce standardized tender practices, and mentor staff in first-principles estimating and CCS software.
- Mining Sector Market Entry: Build relationships with decision-makers in major mining houses, secure tender invitations, and develop mining-ready pricing structures.
- Tender Strategy & Submission: Lead preparation of high-value tenders, manage adjudication processes, and provide risk-based recommendations to the Tender Committee.
- Risk Analysis & Mitigation: Develop risk registers, review contract conditions, and manage escalation formulas and multi-currency pricing.
- Drive tender success by achieving strong hit rates across civil and mining project bids.
- Expand market opportunities by introducing 3-5 qualified mining tenders within the first six months.
- Ensure compliance and efficiency by delivering all submissions on time with zero disqualifications.
- Maintain departmental performance by meeting internal tender milestones and ensuring smooth workflow across the estimating team.
3. Requirements
- B.Sc or B.Tech in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management.
- Professional registration with SACQSP or ECSA highly preferred.
- Minimum 20 years in civil engineering construction.
- At least 10 years in a senior estimating role, managing tenders valued between R500 million and R2 billion+.
- Proven track record of mining-related civil construction projects (minimum 5-7 years).
- Extensive knowledge of South African and SADC construction markets.
4. Core Competencies & Skills
- Expert proficiency in RIB CCS (Candy).
- Advanced knowledge of first-principles estimating for earthworks, concrete, and infrastructure.
- Strong understanding of Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) compliance.
- Ability to produce executive-ready tender summary reports.
- Behavioural strengths: meticulous attention to detail, strategic networking ability, leadership under pressure, and sharp commercial acumen.
Desired Skills:
- Cost Estimation Expertise
- Construction & Engineering Knowledge
- FIDIC & Contracts
- Analytical & Numerical Skills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Stakeholder Communication
