Contract Administrator/Estimator

Position Summary:

As an Estimator / Contracts Administrator, you will play a key role in estimating, tender management, and contract administration for a diverse range of construction projects, including plumbing, civil work, and general construction. You will be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates, managing tender submissions, supporting bid processes, and administering contracts throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of construction methods, and experience with contract documentation, compliance, and tendering processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Estimating Responsibilities:

• Review project drawings, specifications, and contract documents to understand project scope and requirements.
• Conduct quantity take-offs and prepare detailed cost estimates for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Research and analyze vendor and subcontractor quotes to determine the most cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to gather necessary information for accurate estimating.
• Identify potential cost-saving opportunities and value engineering options.
• Prepare and present cost estimates to management and clients, ensuring clarity and transparency in assumptions and pricing.
• Monitor project costs and provide support during project execution to ensure alignment with estimated budgets.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates, including supporting documentation and historical data.

Tendering Responsibilities:

• Advise the Tender Manager of suitable tender packages and opportunities.
• Estimate the value of projects being tendered as part of business development initiatives.
• Communicate with design consultants to obtain input for design and construct proposals.
• Take full responsibility for the tender process from receipt to submission, including preparation of tender letters and schedules.
• Ensure tender responses conform with tender requirements and are submitted within specified timeframes.
• Assist with the collation of tender responses.
• Issue tender packages to subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers.
• Evaluate subcontractor quotations for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with tender scope.
• Establish and maintain tendering processes and negotiations.
• Conduct site visits to record information about access, drainage, topography, and availability of services such as water and power.
• Complete tenders with sufficient time for management review (minimum three (3) days before the due date).
• Train cadets or junior staff where applicable.
• For successful tenders, collate and hand over all relevant information to the project team, including initial budgets.
• Ensure major supplier and subcontractor agreements are in place and provide full details to the project team.
• Assist project teams with pricing claims and variations.

Contracts Administration Responsibilities:

• Prepare, review, and manage contracts, subcontract agreements, and purchase orders in compliance with company policy and contractual obligations.
• Track and manage contract milestones, deadlines, and deliverables to ensure timely completion and compliance.
• Assist in negotiation of contract terms with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Maintain accurate records of contract documents, variations, claims, and correspondence.
• Support project teams with claims management, extensions of time, and variation requests.
• Monitor and report on contractual risks (time, cost, quality) and ensure proactive mitigation measures.
• Provide support during audits or internal reviews of project contracts and compliance documentation.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality:

• Follow company policies and procedures, and carry out work safely and efficiently to protect people and the environment.
• Prepare handover meeting minutes and complete checklists as per the Alliance QA Integrated Management System (IMS).
• Ensure IMS requirements, as they relate to estimating practices, procedures, and forms, are implemented.

Administration:

• Review unsuccessful tenders to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop cost plans and tenders for project opportunities.
• Coordinate final tender documentation and delegate documented tender requirements for submission.
• Assess tender risks including but not limited to: time, contractual, cost, and quality.
• Prepare tender letters and complete tender schedules.
• Scrutinize tender documents for compliance and accuracy.

Audits / Reports:

• Participate in internal and external audits relating to tender and estimating processes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 2–3 years' experience as an Estimator or Contracts Administrator in construction, civil, or plumbing projects.
• Proficiency in estimating software and tools (e.g., Bluebeam, CostX, Excel) and contract management systems (Jobpac).
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and costs across plumbing, civil, and general construction works.
• Knowledge of contracts, subcontract agreements, procurement processes, tendering, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex drawings, specifications, and contract terms.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating across teams and negotiating with vendors and subcontractors.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and precision in estimating, tendering, and contract management.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet de

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person