HV Estimator

Overview Our client who is a specialist electrical engineering consultancy, focused on data centres and high-voltage infrastructure projects

The HV Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive and well-documented cost estimates for MV/HV substation projects tendered by the client under EPC and design-and-build contracts. The role translates tender documents, technical specifications and drawings into complete cost models covering equipment, materials, labour, subcontracts, engineering, logistics, site establishment and risk, providing the commercial foundation for every bid the company submits.

Working closely with the Bid Management, Design Engineering (Concept stage), Procurement and Project Delivery teams, the HV Estimator ensures that estimates reflect realistic execution methods, current market pricing and an appropriate allowance for risk and contingency. The role also maintains and develops the organizations cost database and estimating tools, and supports the handover of tender estimates into project budgets once contracts are awarded

Key Responsibilities: Tender Analysis & Cost Estimating

Review tender documents, technical specifications, drawings and contract conditions to define the scope and basis of estimate.

Prepare detailed cost estimates (development of BOQ's) for MV/HV substations, transformer stations, switchgear upgrades, MV distribution and grid connection projects.

Carry out quantity take-offs from single-line diagrams, layouts and civil drawings for equipment, cables, earthing, steel structures and civil works.

Build up labour estimates for installation, testing and commissioning using company productivity norms and crew rates.

Prepare budgetary and order-of-magnitude estimates for early-stage opportunities and client feasibility requests.

Supplier & Subcontractor Pricing

Prepare and issue RFQs to suppliers and subcontractors for major equipment (power transformers, GIS/AIS switchgear, protection & control panels, cables) and civil and installation works.

Analyse, normalise and compare quotations, identifying scope gaps, exclusions and commercial risks.

Work with Procurement to secure competitive pricing, realistic lead times and framework agreements.

Maintain an up-to-date network of qualified suppliers and subcontractors in the Nordic and wider European markets.

Account for logistics, freight, customs, currency exposure and price escalation in all estimates.

Risk, Contingency & Bid Strategy

Identify cost and execution risks and opportunities, and quantify contingency together with the Bid Manager and Project Delivery team.

Contribute to bid strategy, pricing options and value-engineering proposals to improve competitiveness.

Prepare clear estimate summaries, basis-of-estimate documents, assumptions, qualifications and exclusions for internal approval.

Present estimates at bid review meetings and support the company's tender approval process.

Review contract conditions (e.g. NS 8405/NS 8407, YSE 1998, FIDIC) for cost implications, in liaison with the commercial team.

Cost Data & Estimating Tools

Build and maintain DCS Norway's cost database, including unit rates, productivity norms, equipment prices and historical project costs.

Develop and improve standardised estimating templates, tools and processes.

Capture actual costs and lessons learned from completed projects to continuously improve estimate accuracy.

Monitor market trends in equipment pricing, raw materials, labour rates and lead times.

Ensure estimating records are complete, traceable and archived in line with the company IMS.

Handover & Project Support

Hand over awarded tender estimates to project teams, explaining the basis of estimate, assumptions and risk allowances.

Support Project Managers in setting up project budgets and cost breakdown structures.

Price variations, change orders and claims during project execution.

Support post-contract cost reviews and estimate-versus-actual analysis.

Travel to client meetings and project sites in Norway and Finland when required (e.g. tender-stage site visits).

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline. A recognised estimating or cost management certification (e.g. AACE, RICS) is an advantage

Minimum 5 years' experience in cost estimating for MV/HV substation, transmission or power infrastructure projects.

Experience estimating EPC or design-and-build contracts, ideally within a contractor environment.

Proven track record of preparing complete tender estimates covering equipment, labour, subcontracts and risk.

Familiarity with Nordic markets and grid-owner requirements (e.g. Statnett, Fingrid, regional DSOs) is highly desirable.