Electrical Estimator

The Electrical Estimator will form a key part of ECS Engineering Services' precontract/work winning team, supporting the company's strategic objective to grow our in-house electrical installation capability and reduce reliance on subcontractors.

The role involves the preparation of accurate, technically sound and commercially robust cost estimates for a wide range of electrical works undertaken by ECS across its Water Management, Water Utilities, and Power/Industrial workstreams. Typical projects include refurbishment and upgrade works to existing assets such as pumping stations, sluice gates, penstocks, and flow control systems.

While some projects include limited building services elements — for example, small domestic-type electrical installations within kiosks or similar enclosures — the focus of this role is firmly on infrastructure, plant, and field equipment installations, not large-scale building M&E.

The successful candidate will work closely with clients, suppliers, and ECS's internal design and delivery teams to ensure cost estimates reflect realistic installation methods, sound engineering judgement, and commercial competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for electrical installation and refurbishment works, including labour, materials, equipment, and subcontracted elements to support M&E projects, or as complete estimates/proposals for electrically biased projects
• Undertake basic cable sizing, voltage drop, and protection calculations sufficient to inform pricing and verify design assumptions. ECS has access to Trimble Electrical Designer software and experience of this would be beneficial
• Assess tender documentation, drawings, and specifications to extract and interpret technical and commercial requirements.
• Liaise with lead Mech estimator and/or ECS engineering project teams to ensure estimates align with practical installation methods and delivery programmes.
• Produce enquiries for, source and evaluate third-party quotations for MCCs, PLCs, and other specialist control equipment (which will remain externally supplied).
• Develop and contribute to clear and persuasive proposal documents, including technical narrative, risk registers, and commercial summaries.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and support risk management through structured cost analysis.
• Provide comprehensive handover packs and technical support to project teams following contract award.
• Maintain proactive relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors, ensuring accurate market data and competitive pricing.
• Support business development activities through timely tender follow-ups and contribution to pre-contract strategy discussions.
• As ECS's electrical capability expands, contribute to developing standard pricing libraries, mentoring junior estimators, and supporting team growth.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential:

• Strong understanding of electrical installation practices across infrastructure, water, and industrial environments, including pumps, actuators, level sensors, and process control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and cost installation labour and resource requirements for site-based works.
• Proficient in basic electrical design checks and cable calculations (current carrying capacity, voltage drop, fault levels) in accordance with BS 7671.
• Experience in estimating labour costs associated with refurbishment or upgrade works to operational assets, ideally within water or process-related industries.
• Familiarity with the SHEQ requirements, installation methodologies and constraints typical to pumping stations, sluice gates, and other water control assets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce clear and persuasive technical and commercial documentation.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tenders concurrently in a deadline-driven environment.
• IT proficiency (Microsoft Office essential; estimating or project costing software advantageous).

Desirable:

• Level 4/5 qualification (HNC/HND or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working with or for clients such as the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards, or Water Utilities.
• Understanding of electrical installation requirements across multiple sectors, including Water Management, Water Utilities, and Power/Industrial.
• Working knowledge of design and installation considerations for low-voltage systems in industrial, or hazardous environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Level 3 NVQ or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Installation.
• Desirable: HNC/HND or higher in Electrical Engineering.
• Sound knowledge of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

Future Development

This role offers a clear growth pathway as ECS expands its in-house electrical offering. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop as the business grows into senior estimating, electrical operations management, or business development roles within ECS's expanding electrical hub.