The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading and supporting estimating and costing activities for turnkey and project-based retail developments. The role focuses on preparing accurate, competitive and commercially viable estimates and quotations while strengthening the estimating capability within the Turnkey/Projects Department.

The position also forms part of a longer-term succession plan, with the successful candidate progressively taking on greater responsibility within the estimating and costing function.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate Bills of Quantities (BOQs), cost estimates, budgets and quotations for turnkey and project-based retail developments.
• Analyse drawings, specifications, tender documentation and project requirements to determine accurate costing.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Ensure estimates remain commercially competitive while supporting profitability.
• Identify project risks, value-engineering opportunities and cost-saving initiatives.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the turnkey project lifecycle, from project inception through to final handover.
• Support project teams during tender, planning, procurement and execution phases.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Procurement, Manufacturing and Operations to ensure pricing aligns with project requirements.
• Assist with project budgeting, forecasting and cost monitoring throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist in establishing and developing a dedicated estimating and costing function within the Turnkey/Projects Department.
• Develop and maintain estimating systems, pricing databases, templates and costing standards.
• Standardise estimating processes and documentation across projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that improve estimating accuracy and efficiency.
• Work closely with Projects, Procurement, Manufacturing, Finance, Commercial and Executive Management.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, consultants and clients during the estimating process.
• Provide commercial input during tender adjudication and project negotiations where required.
• Work in an understudy capacity as part of the organisation's succession planning programme.
• Develop a thorough understanding of existing estimating, costing and pricing methodologies.
• Build knowledge of historical costing data and pricing structures.
• Progressively assume greater responsibility within the estimating department.
• Drive the implementation of new estimating, costing and project management software to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Research and evaluate modern estimating technologies, digital tools and relevant industry practices.
• Develop and maintain integrated costing databases, pricing libraries and standardised estimating templates.
• Streamline estimating workflows to reduce errors and improve turnaround times.
• Identify opportunities for automation and continuous process improvement.
• Collaborate with Executive Management, IT, Finance, Procurement and Project teams during the implementation of new systems and processes.
• Progressively take on leadership responsibilities within the Costing and Estimating Department as part of the succession plan.
• Support team development, estimating standards, pricing models, commercial controls, budgeting, forecasting and commercial analysis as responsibilities increase.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building Science, Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 8-10 years' experience in estimating, quantity surveying, costing or commercial management.
• Extensive experience within shopfitting, retail fit-outs, construction, manufacturing or turnkey project environments.
• Proven experience preparing detailed BOQs, tenders, estimates and quotations.
• Strong understanding of project costing, procurement and contract administration.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary retail or commercial projects.
• Advanced knowledge of estimating principles and cost control.
• Ability to interpret architectural, construction and manufacturing drawings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software.

Advantageous Experience

• Relevant estimating or quantity surveying qualifications.

Key Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Excellent analytical and numerical ability.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict tender deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Professional, ethical and accountable approach.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Leadership and mentoring potential.
• Ability to build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Strong time-management skills.

Additional Information

• Based at the Head Office and Manufacturing Facility on the East Rand.
• Office-based, with regular interaction across manufacturing, procurement and project teams.
• Occasional travel to project sites and client meetings may be required.
• Additional hours may be required during tender submissions and major project deadlines.
• The role forms part of a longer-term succession planning programme within the estimating and costing function.

If you meet the requirements and would like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application through the link provided. Only candidates who meet the role requirements will be contacted.