Electrical Estimating Manager

Company Overview

Our client is a specialist electrical contractor active across several European markets, delivering complex electrical work packages in fields such as energy infrastructure, data centres, life sciences, and renewables. Their capabilities span multiple jurisdictions, combining deep local supply chain expertise, comprehensive knowledge of regional contract and regulatory environments, and a pricing function capable of issuing dependable estimates across diverse markets.

Ongoing demand in core sectors is strong due to European energy investments, sustained data centre developments, and continuing life sciences capital projects. This translates into a broad bid pipeline requiring senior leadership in estimating to handle both volume and complexity effectively.

Role & Environment

As the lead of the electrical estimating team, you will oversee pricing for high-value projects typically reaching €30 million. The technical scope encompasses medium and low voltage cable installation, containment, earthing and lightning protection, lighting and small power circuits, fire alarm and life safety systems, along with associated testing and commissioning activities.

This role involves managing projects across multiple industries and countries, which means assessing quantities, pricing, and local market conditions like labor costs, material availability, currency fluctuations, and logistics. You will maintain rate libraries, benchmark data, and ensure submission quality while collaborating with operations, commercial, and procurement departments to guide bid strategy, risk evaluation, and go/no-go decisions.

Based in Dublin with hybrid working arrangements, occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, and supplier interactions across Europe will be required. The handover from estimating to delivery is structured to provide feedback on pricing performance, fostering continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the electrical estimating function ensuring accuracy and consistency of all bid submissions.
• Price high-value electrical contracts of approximately €30 million across various sectors and European markets.
• Perform take-offs and quantify medium voltage and low voltage cabling, cable containment, earthing systems, lighting, small power, and fire alarm scopes.
• Develop and oversee the estimating team, establishing standards, workflows, and prioritizing workload.
• Build and update rate libraries, labor norms, and benchmark cost data tailored to different markets.
• Analyze local labor markets, material supply, logistics challenges, and currency risks affecting pricing.
• Engage with supply chain partners to secure competitive and reliable subcontractor and material costs.
• Review tender contract terms to identify commercial and technical risks.
• Participate in shaping bid strategies and making go/no-go decisions alongside commercial and operational leadership.
• Ensure smooth handover of awarded bids to delivery teams and support negotiations after tender submission.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in electrical estimating or commercial roles within electrical or M&E contracting sectors.
• Proven ability to price complex electrical packages from first principles.
• Comprehensive technical knowledge of MV/LV cable installation, containment, earthing, lighting, small power, and fire alarm systems.
• Experience managing or mentoring estimators or clear preparedness for such a leadership position.
• Strong commercial acumen to detect risks within tender documents and contracts.
• Confident interaction with clients, main contractors, and supply chain during tender processes.
• Preferred educational backgrounds include electrical engineering degree, quantity surveying qualification, or electrical trade experience.
• Sector experience is flexible, with energy, data centres, life sciences, renewables, industrial, and commercial backgrounds considered.
• Multi-market or European estimating experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with estimating software and contract frameworks such as FIDIC or NEC is beneficial but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

The role offers a salary of €130,000 plus comprehensive benefits including pension, healthcare, performance bonus, and a vehicle or car allowance. It includes hybrid working from a Dublin base and presents significant leadership potential with a clear path towards pre-construction and commercial management roles as the company grows.

Additional Information

This position provides rare exposure to pricing across diverse European markets and sectors, offering extensive professional development and influence over business decisions through close collaboration with operational and commercial teams.