Job Summary:
This role is responsible for supporting the Lead Estimator in the preparation and submission of high-quality tenders and proposals for complex high-voltage (HV) electrical infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will possess a strong technical background in HV systems, including HV connections, infrastructure projects, and network reinforcement.
A deep understanding of the UK electricity market, distribution and transmission systems, and the operational frameworks of DNOs, IDNOs, and ICPs is essential. The role also demands a sound knowledge of industry-specific standards and regulations, alongside strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills.
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to assess project requirements, develop competitive pricing strategies, manage stakeholder expectations, and coordinate internal resources efficiently. The role also requires effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure that all tender submissions meet or exceed customer expectations and company standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the negotiation of contracts at tender stage and manage customer expectations to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Support the Design and Bid teams and across the wider business where required.
- Maintain a customer and project database with relevant contact details and timelines.
- Provide regular tendering reports, track & highlight progress, and issues against targets and KPIs both internally and leading client face to face meetings.
- Support the tender process by preparing and submitting high-quality tenders and proposals, working across all relevant stakeholders, ensuring they are in line with company standards and meet customer requirements/deadlines.
- Collaborate with internal teams to gather all relevant information and data needed to prepare accurate and competitive tenders to ensure successful delivery of tenders & proposals.
- Prepare and present proposals and presentations to prospective clients.
- Review tender documents and assess the risk associated with each opportunity.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates and pricing strategies to ensure competitiveness in the bidding process.
- Communicate with clients and stakeholders to understand their requirements and expectations.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of successful tenders to identify areas for improvement.
- Attend Pre-Tender site meetings.
- Support the development of detailed cost-loaded, outage-driven programmes.
- Support technical responses to tender submissions and populate a technical response library to re-use across other projects.
- Maintain an up-to-date cost library of plant and equipment.
- Lead the tender at TAFF approval meetings.
- Formally manage the handover process between tendering and operations.
- Participate in lessons learnt meetings following project completion.
- Deputise for the Lead Estimator when required
Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience & Skills:
- Degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
Experience:
- Extensive background in high voltage (HV) engineering, with experience in a Senior Estimating or Engineering role within the HV sector.
- Proven track record of preparing tenders for HV connections, network reinforcement schemes, substations (up to and including 132kV and above), and large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Experience working with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), Independent Connection Providers (ICPs), and Tier 1 contractors, with a sound understanding of their tendering processes and technical standards.
- Demonstrated success in estimating for a range of project types including turnkey EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contracts, asset replacement programs, and greenfield/brownfield developments.
- In-depth understanding of National Grid, Ofgem and DNO requirements, specifications, and regulatory frameworks related to HV infrastructure.
- Experience coordinating and managing multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments, ensuring high standards of technical accuracy and commercial viability.
- Experience in reviewing and interpreting complex technical documentation such as single-line diagrams, protection schemes, cable schedules, civil layouts, and vendor datasheets.
- Evidence of influencing procurement strategies, supply chain engagement, and risk mitigation planning during the tendering phase.
- Hands-on involvement in project handovers to operational delivery teams, including the preparation of full tender packs and risk reviews.
- Demonstrable capability in mentoring junior estimators, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing.
Skills:
- High-level proficiency in HV electrical systems, including switchgear, transformers, cable routing, protection systems, and SCADA integration.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to evaluate and justify pricing strategies based on technical and market conditions.
- Excellent knowledge of estimating software and digital tools, including Microsoft Excel (advanced), Project, Word, and ideally specialist software such as Candy, Conquest, or Causeway.
- Familiarity with Primavera P6 or other scheduling tools for integrating cost estimates into project programmes.
- Skilled in developing detailed Bills of Quantities, cost models, and margin analysis for multi-million-pound contracts.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, capable of liaising with clients, suppliers, engineers, and commercial teams effectively.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving ability to navigate technical and commercial challenges during the tendering process.
- Resilient and able to manage pressure effectively while maintaining high attention to detail.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, capable of managing multiple bids simultaneously and delivering to strict deadlines.