Job Description

Overview
Our client is a South African civil engineering and construction company, with over 25 years of experience across Africa. Established locally in 2013, the company holds BBBEE Level 1 status, CIDB 9CE & 9GB gradings, and ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications. They specialize in roads and earthworks, building projects, water infrastructure, and large-scale civil works including bridges and rail. They operate nationally with a broader African footprint through the Group, and place strong emphasis on community development, skills training, and empowerment through their CSR initiatives.
No. of Vacancies
1
Specific Skills
Technical Skills

• Proficiency in CCS Candy, Excel, and other estimating software
• Strong knowledge of SANRAL Standard Specifications (1200 & 2000 series)Ability to interpret and quantify from drawings, models, and design documents
• Solid understanding of construction methodologies, productivity norms, and resource management.

Key Competencies and Attributes

• Strong numerical accuracy and analytical thinking
• Detail-oriented with the ability to meet strict deadlines
• Commercially astute with sound judgment on risk and margins
• Team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Professional integrity and commitment to confidentiality
• Adaptable and resilient under pressure.

Performance Indicators

• Accuracy and completeness of cost estimates
• Competitiveness and success rate of bids
• Quality of risk analysis and tender documentation
• Contribution to database accuracy and process improvement
• Effective collaboration and internal communication during tender cycles

Responsible For
Purpose of the Role To prepare accurate, competitive, and compliant cost estimates for large-scale road infrastructure projects (SANRAL and other public sector clients), ensuring that all tenders reflect the technical scope, contractual risks, and commercial strategy of the company. The role requires solid experience in roadworks estimation on mega projects (R1 billion +) and close coordination with design, procurement, and construction teams to produce robust and winning bids. Key Responsibilities Estimating and Tender Preparation

• Develop detailed cost estimates for road construction projects, including earthworks, layerworks, surfacing, structures, drainage, and ancillary works
• Study and interpret tender documentation, drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities
• Build up rate analyses from first principles for major items, using verified production data and resource rates
• Identify and quantify direct and indirect costs, plant and labour requirements, and subcontractor packages
• Prepare detailed and fully auditable cost build-ups for internal review and submission
• Coordinate technical and commercial inputs for bids to SANRAL, Provincial, and Municipal authorities
• Ensure estimates comply with SANRAL Standard Specifications, Method of Measurement, and relevant tender conditions

Risk, Compliance and Value Engineering

• Identify commercial and technical risks and propose mitigating strategies during bid stage
• Participate in value engineering workshops to optimise design and cost
• Maintain awareness of escalation trends, supply chain challenges, and local content requirements
• Ensure compliance with B-BBEE, QSE/EME subcontracting targets, and environmental regulations relevant to SANRAL tenders.

Data Management and Cost Benchmarking

• Maintain and update the company's rate library, production norms, and database of suppliers/subcontractors
• Benchmark current tendered rates against historical data for accuracy and competitiveness
• Contribute to post-tender reviews and feedback sessions to improve estimating accuracy and methodology.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with Contracts, Design, Planning, and Procurement teams to ensure realistic and buildable estimates
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers for quotations, clarifications, and technical inputs
• Support Senior Estimator or Estimating Manager in bid strategy meetings and presentations
• Coordinate inputs from multiple departments under tight deadlines

Systems and Reporting

• Use estimating software (e.g., Candy CCS, Excel, or similar) proficiently for rate buildups and BOQ compilation
• Produce clear tender summaries, mark-ups, and cash flow projections for management review
• Maintain version control and tender documentation records in accordance with company procedures

Job Nature
Full Time
Educational Requirements
Education:

• National Diploma or BTech/BSc in Civil Engineering or Quantity Surveying.

Experience:

• Minimum 5-8 years' experience in estimating within a civil engineering contracting environment, with proven track record on SANRAL or Provincial road projects of R500 million to R1 billion + in value
• Direct experience in road earthworks, layerworks, and surfacing estimation
• Familiarity with FIDIC, GCC, and SANRAL tender documentation

Experience Requirements
5+
Job Location
Johannesburg
Job Level
Intermediate Position, Senior Position
How to Apply
Interested candidates can send their resumes to natasha@njplacements.co.za mentioning "Job Title" in the subject line.

Skills Required