Estimator (Steel)

Job Description: Structural Steel Estimator

Pay: £45,000 - £60,000 per year

Location: Derry City (office‑based)

Reporting To: Estimating Manager / Commercial Manager / Managing Director

Role Overview

The Structural Steel Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive cost estimates for structural steelwork packages on construction projects across Ireland & the UK. The role supports tendering, budgeting, value engineering, and commercial decision‑making from pre‑contract through handover to project delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Tendering

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for:
• Structural steel frames
• Secondary steelwork
• Stairs, platforms, handrails, and miscellaneous steel
• Review and interpret:
• Architectural and structural drawings
• Specifications and schedules
• Employer’s requirements and contract documents
• Measure quantities manually from drawings and/or from BIM models
• Price materials, labour, fabrication, surface treatment, transport, and erection
• Prepare tender pricing breakdowns, risk allowances, and clarifications
• Submit tenders accurately and within deadlines

Commercial & Technical Review

• Assess buildability, sequencing, and erection methodology
• Identify risks, opportunities, and value‑engineering options
• Liaise with engineers, detailers, fabricators, and erectors during tender stage
• Ensure estimates reflect:
• Fabrication complexity
• Welding requirements
• Access, lifting, and logistics constraints

Procurement Support

• Request and analyse quotations from:
• Steel suppliers
• Galvanising and painting contractors
• Erection subcontractors (if applicable)
• Compare supplier pricing and lead times
• Assist with material take‑offs for procurement

Post‑Tender & Project Support

• Provide clarifications and cost breakdowns during negotiations
• Support handover of secured projects to contracts and production teams
• Assist with pricing of variations and change orders
• Maintain estimating records and historical cost data

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Allow for:
• Temporary works
• MEWPs, cranes, and lifting plans
• Site safety and access requirements
• Ensure compliance with:
• Irish Building Regulations
• Eurocodes
• NSAI and EN standards

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a Structural Steel Estimator
• Strong understanding of:
• Structural steel fabrication and erection processes
• Connection types and fabrication methods
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and commercial skills
• Proficient in Excel and estimating/take‑off tools

Desirable

• Experience working on Irish or UK construction projects
• Familiarity with:
• Tekla / Advance Steel / BIM models
• BCAR process and certification
• CE marking of structural steel
• Previous fabrication or site experience

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in:
• Construction Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Civil / Structural Engineering
• Architectural Technology

(or equivalent industry experience)Personal Attributes

• High attention to detail
• Strong commercial awareness
• Able to work under tender deadlines
• Good communication and negotiation skills
• Methodical, organised, and reliable
• Team player with ability to work independently

Typical Project Types

• Commercial and office buildings
• Industrial and logistics facilities
• Sports and public buildings
• Pharmaceutical and healthcare projects

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary (DOE)
• Pension contribution
• Phone / laptop
• Career development and progression

Work Location: In person