Job Description

Our client, in Pinetown, Kwazulu Natal, is looking for an Estimator with experience in Road Construction and Civil Works.
Position Description

• The Estimator is responsible for procuring work through the P.F.M.A processes, advertised through Newspapers and various other means. The work should be consistent with the company's skills and expertise, in the KZN area and at competitive but not suicidal rates.
• The Estimator needs to ensure a good quality product to be delivered efficiently (within allowable) on time whilst complying with all aspects of the Environmental, OHS Act, Labour Relations Act, Construction Regulations, Employment Equity Act, and EPWP Principles (where necessary), other requisite legal considerations together with the company's policies and procedures, including the administration requirements.

Key Responsibilities/Key Performance Areas

• In consultation with the Contracts / Divisional Director; prepare schedules of work and the applicable resources.
• Determine when these resources become available to procure work for the seamless transition for the resources between current and new work.
• Identify suitable projects, obtain tender documents, and attend site inspections.
• Responsible for the sourcing of all materials, subcontractors, and other prices for the tender.
• Skilfully build up rates using; historical records, and estimation measured against the subject contract.
• In consultation with the Contracts Manager / Divisional Director consider the current market and apply; front-end loading, imbalanced mark-ups where applicable, and general profit as the company may require whilst outsmarting the competition.
• Maintain and help keep the relevant standard specifications and General Conditions of Contract up to date.
• Ensure all rates take cognisance of the specifications, project spec, General Conditions, special conditions, drawings, site conditions, and any other pertinent factors.
• Record and file any pre-tender communications with the clients
• Professionally complete tender, ensuring the returnables are compliant with the tender requirements.
• Submit the tender on time and record the tender results, inform the Contracts Manager / Divisional Director.
• Record and file any post-tender communication with the client's representative / appointed person (extension of validity, Letter of Award, or other).

If Successful

• Obtain signed copies of the successful contract, file.
• Prepare all copies of documentation for the handover to the Site Agent by the Pre-Plan.
• Prepare and hand over the administration documents to the Site Agent.
• Attend the meeting with the Contracts Director when the Contracts Manager commits; defend any bad rates or potential errors.
• Keep records of past and present production for tender use.
• Attend monthly management meetings to discuss any difficulties relating to the tender that may be pertinent and require attention or adjustments for future tenders.
• Open the Head Office Contract file and maintain it.
• Arrange Insurance and Sureties for the contract.
• Assist the Contracts Director / Contracts Manager with the build-up of any contractual claims.
• Assist the Contracts Director / Contracts Manager / Site Agent with new rates or Variation Orders.

Skills / Aptitude

• Requisite degree or diploma in Built Environment
• Minimum 5 to 10 years tendering experience
• Ability to interact positively with Directors and staff
• A good knowledge and understanding of construction and issues such as building regulations and planning
• Good computing skills and proficiency in CCS, excel, and MS projects and the ability to adapt to standard tendering packages
• Good knowledge of company admin procedures
• Good knowledge of G.C.C or relevant contract conditions of the tender - commercial, contractual, planning
• Commercial awareness
• Good organizational skills
• The ability to establish and maintain good working relationships
• The ability to work both on your own and as part of a team
• The ability to work to deadlines
• Good problem-solving skills, look for improvements in methods of working
• Excellent presentation and negotiating skills
• An understanding of health and safety issues.
• Ensure the work is of the highest quality
• Be willing to work long hours and Overtime

In addition, the candidates should have the following key competencies:

• Honesty and integrity
• Time management skills
• Have good communication skills
• Personal drive and ambition to ensure that output meets and exceeds the set quality standards and achieve this by remaining within budget
• Be creative/proactive/assertive and team orientated