Senior Estimator

About the Role

John Sisk & Son is a family-operated construction firm with a global presence dedicated to delivering excellence and innovation across projects. They value trust, certainty, and adding value to clients while shaping the construction industry's future.

The Senior Estimator will play a vital role in delivering accurate and reliable project cost assessments and producing thorough, consistent estimates that reflect authentic construction processes. The ideal candidate will have over a decade of construction industry experience, preferably with a background as a Project Manager or similar role, with comprehensive knowledge of project delivery, resource planning, and risk evaluation. This position requires strong technical skills, commercial acumen, and expertise in civil engineering methods to enable competitive and compliant tender submissions.

Management Duties

• Support training programs and the professional growth of Estimators, Assistant Estimators, and Graduate Estimators.
• Help formulate and track personal development plans for direct reports, ensuring follow-up actions are completed.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage all tender-related documents meticulously, including addendums and client communications, ensuring timely and accurate distribution.
• Prepare and issue subcontractor enquiry schedules, detailing clear scopes and attendance expectations.
• Issue materials enquiries, evaluate vendor proposals against market standards, and manage Bills of Quantities including accuracy spot checks.
• Maintain live enquiry schedules by following up on tender returns and resolving queries.
• Review design information for Design & Build tenders to identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering.
• Document clarifications and estimator insights, keeping comprehensive audit trails.
• Incorporate last-minute tender modifications into costings and submissions effectively.
• Engage in tender risk and opportunity analysis, contributing to risk and value engineering planning.

Tendering and Cost Analysis

• Regularly update and monitor bid risk registers.
• Lead tender evaluations, implementing necessary corrective actions.
• Analyze subcontractor bids and compile comparative assessment schedules.
• Determine appropriate provisions for fixed prices and contingencies within package requirements.
• Prepare detailed tender settlement documentation demonstrating net costs, risks, and prospects.
• Complete tender sum analyses with cash flow forecasts for approval and adjudication.
• Participate in adjudication meetings and implement required changes.
• Develop client pricing documents such as Forms of Tender, Contract Sum Analyses, and preliminaries breakdowns.
• Support bid budget management by creating cash flow models and adhering to financial limits.

Candidate Requirements

• Extensive construction background with at least 10 years overall experience and over 5 years specifically in estimating roles.
• Deep understanding of onsite operations, sequencing, resources, and project delivery challenges, ideally from project management experience.
• Hands-on experience with civil engineering projects and site involvement is highly beneficial.
• Proven history of preparing tenders and leading their submission processes.
• Familiarity with tender reviews and adjudication proceedings.
• Working knowledge of Public Works Contract, FIDIC, NEC, and similar contract types.
• Experience with Design & Build projects is a plus.
• Good knowledge of the Irish construction and civil engineering supply market.
• Relevant degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or equivalent qualification.
• A valid CSCS card is required.
• Membership or progression towards a recognized professional institution is preferred.
• Ongoing professional development experience in estimating, pre-construction or commercial management will be advantageous.

Compensation and Benefits

• A competitive salary package.
• Twenty-six days of annual leave.
• Participation in a pension plan.
• Comprehensive health, wellbeing, and lifestyle support programs.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional benefits as part of a comprehensive Total Rewards program.

Our Commitment

The company embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, inviting applicants of all backgrounds and providing reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if not all criteria are met, emphasizing skills, experience, and potential. All recruitment activities uphold legal and regulatory standards to ensure fairness and transparency.