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- Tasks: As an Estimator, you'll analyse project documents and create accurate cost estimates.
- Company: OCU Group is a leading utility engineering contractor in the UK, focused on innovative civil engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for personal development, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team working on exciting projects that make a real impact in the utilities sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction estimating, especially in Power/Electrical/Renewable/Civils projects, is essential.
- Other info: A UK driving licence is required for this role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.
Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.
We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.
We believe that being successful is a choice.
We choose to be successful.
We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.
Due to our continued work winning success, we currently have opportunities for experienced Estimators to join our team supporting the pre-construction phase of projects. Providing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates, ensuring projects are financially viable, competitive and aligned with client expectations, is this your passion?
What will I be doing?
Working closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, you will analyse bid specifications, drawings, and project documents to develop a thorough understanding of project requirements.This will involve conducting detailed quantity take-offs from engineering drawings to determine the quantities of materials, labour, and equipment needed for each project and preparing estimates from first principles.
If working on large and exciting projects wasn\’t enough, you will also:
- Collaborate with subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing for materials and services, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery.
- Identify potential risks and uncertainties associated with construction projects, propose mitigation strategies, and communicate findings to relevant parties.
- Attend tender-stage site visits to gather additional information which may affect the bid and highlight any specific challenges to be overcome in order to provide a competitive offer.
Skills and Experience
You will havedemonstrable experience as an Estimator in the construction industry, with a strong background in estimating Power/ Electricals/Renewable/Civils projects and working knowledge of NEC3 / NEC4 / FIDIC contracts
A proficiency in construction estimating software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills will help along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex project specifications and drawings.
This is a fast paced environment and we will be asking you to work at this level. Communication will be key to your success, both verbal and written. Are you up for the challenge?
Due to the nature of the role, a UK driving licence is essential
Company Background
OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it.
Working directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.
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Estimator (Civils) employer: OCU
Contact Detail:
OCU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator (Civils)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of projects OCU Group works on, especially in the civils sector. Understanding their client base and the nature of their projects will help you tailor your discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts, as well as FIDIC contracts. Being able to discuss these in detail will demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of OCU Group on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and what they value in an estimator, which can be invaluable for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with construction estimating software and advanced Excel skills. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these tools in past projects to enhance your credibility.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator (Civils)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as an Estimator in the construction industry, particularly focusing on Power, Electricals, Renewable, and Civils projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in estimating and working with NEC3/NEC4/FIDIC contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with OCU Group's values and their focus on empowering employees. Be sure to include your analytical skills and attention to detail.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency in construction estimating software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Provide examples of how you've used these tools to deliver accurate cost estimates in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your strong verbal and written communication abilities. You might want to include instances where you effectively communicated complex project specifications or collaborated with stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency in cost estimation. Brush up on your knowledge of construction costs, materials, and labour rates relevant to civils projects. Be prepared to discuss how you approach quantity take-offs and the software tools you use.
✨Understand the Project Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the types of projects OCU Group undertakes. Review their past projects and understand the common challenges faced in the industry. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with project managers, engineers, and subcontractors in the past. Highlight your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about potential risks and uncertainties in construction projects. Think of scenarios where you've identified risks and proposed mitigation strategies. This will showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are key for the role.
