Estimator (Fire & Security)

Job Description

Title: Estimator (Fire & Security)
Reports to: Pre-Contract/Estimating Manager
Company: Dalkia UK

Job Purpose

• Responsible for managing and delivering tender and estimating opportunities within the Fire & Security department in a consistent manner across the business.
• Ensure all pricing submissions are completed accurately and on time to maintain commercial certainty in line with divisional goals and expectations.

Aims and Objectives

• Deliver a consistent pricing structure and ensure compliance with contracting standards to exceed business performance targets.
• Establish the best available price to secure orders.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct site surveys as required.
• Assess requirements for producing tenders and budgets, establishing associated costs.
• Prepare Go/No-Go approvals in line with contracting standards.
• Interpret and price accurate bills of quantities and pricing documents.
• Identify and understand different contract forms, their interpretation, and legal obligations.
• Develop pricing strategies and incentive schemes for inclusion in tenders, aligning with commercial strategy.
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage to mitigate company risk.
• Understand and apply bonds, warranties, and guarantees to protect the company’s position.
• Collaborate with the commercial team to negotiate and establish agreed terms and conditions.
• Prepare commercial bids and documentation for approval by the Commercial Review Board (CRB).
• Assess risk and produce Risk Registers for CRB review.
• Obtain competitive pricing from supply chain partners for resources, goods, and services in line with budgets.
• Ensure compliance with contracting standards, job costs, and expected margins to maintain profitable returns.
• Submit accurate and high-quality tenders/estimates within required deadlines.
• Work collaboratively with departments including Bid, Design, Commercial, Finance, Procurement, HR, and Estimating.
• Provide reports to senior management.
• Undertake additional duties as required by senior management.

Occasional Duties

• Conduct appraisals for direct reports and establish training and development programs.
• Maintain and implement a regional management succession plan to support business growth.

Health & Safety

All employees are responsible for their own health and safety, as well as the well-being of others affected by their actions. Employees must adhere to all Health & Safety policies and guidelines.

Working Relationships

Internal:

• Work closely with Business Development, Surveyors, Designers, Buyers, Estimators, SHE (Safety, Health & Environmental) Department, Engineers, Quality Assurance, HR, and Finance teams.

External:

• Liaise with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, utility companies, local authorities, and industry professionals.

Person SpecificationQualifications, Experience, and Skills

Essential:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of self-motivation, organisation, and a proactive approach to meeting deadlines.
• Commercial awareness within the Fire & Security or Electrical industry.
• Previous Fire & Security estimating experience.
• Experience in preparing and submitting quotations, bills of quantities, and tender documents.
• Negotiation experience within the Fire & Security sector.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable:

• HND (Higher National Diploma) in Construction, Building Services, or a related discipline.

Competencies

• Leadership & Direction – Provides clear goals and guidance.
• Team Management – Supports, challenges, and develops team members.
• Results-Driven – Focuses on high standards and business objectives.
• Communication – Ensures clarity and understanding at all levels.
• Planning & Organisation – Efficiently manages tasks, resources, and timeframes.
• Financial & Commercial Awareness – Understands costs, profits, budgets, and market trends.
• Risk Management – Identifies and mitigates risks effectively.
• Customer Focus – Builds strong relationships and ensures customer satisfaction.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance – Promotes and enforces a safe working environment.

This job description is intended to outline the key responsibilities of the role and may be subject to review and updates as required.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Work from home