Lead Estimator

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Purpose

The Lead Estimator will oversee the development of high-quality cost estimates for MEA and international projects, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and competitiveness in alignment with company estimating procedures. This position provides leadership and technical direction to the estimating team and works closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including project management, engineering, and business development.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all estimating activities for FEED, EPCm, and EPC projects, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and procedures.
• Develop and maintain Class 1–5 estimates (AACE framework), including conceptual, feasibility, FEED, and detailed CAPEX estimates.
• Prepare Estimate Development Plans (EDP) and Estimate Basis Memoranda (EBM) to document methodology, scope, and assumptions.
• Translate engineering deliverables into a comprehensive Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and Material Take-Offs (MTO) integrated with cost databases and construction unit rates.
• Manage the preparation of Total Installed Cost (TIC) estimates covering engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and start-up phases.
• Perform scenario, sensitivity, and risk analyses, linking the project risk register to cost exposure and contingency levels.
• Benchmark estimates using internal data and industry references to validate competitiveness and accuracy.
• Support proposal development by providing cost input, clarifications, and commercial analysis during bid evaluation and negotiations.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators, fostering consistency and knowledge transfer within the department.
• Interface with vendors and subcontractors to obtain budgetary quotations and validate market pricing.
• Engage in cost and schedule risk analysis workshops, providing mitigation recommendations to management and clients.
• Ensure regional market factors, logistics, and productivity norms are reflected accurately in all estimates.

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge of cost estimating principles, work breakdown structures (WBS), and probabilistic cost analysis.
• Proven experience in onshore/offshore facilities, including pipelines, process plants, tank farms, and marine infrastructure.
• Familiarity with Middle East market dynamics and vendor ecosystems.
• Proficiency in cost estimating software, Excel-based models, and database management systems.
• Strong capability in reviewing engineering drawings and deriving quantities from design parameters.

Qualifications & experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, civil, or related discipline).
• Experience: Minimum 12 years in cost estimating within oil & gas or energy infrastructure, including 4+ years in a leadership role managing estimators.
• Experience with QatarEnergy, ADNOC, or comparable clients is preferred. AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) certification is an advantage.
• Skills: Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication abilities with a high degree of accuracy and time management.
• Interfaces with proposals, project controls, procurement, engineering, and business development teams.

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