HV Estimator

Lisbon Portugal
1-year Fixed Term with 1 month probation period

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The HV Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive and well-documented cost estimates for MV/HV substation projects tendered by DCS Norway under EPC and design-and-build contracts. The role translates tender documents, technical specifications and drawings into complete cost models covering equipment, materials, labour, subcontracts, engineering, logistics, site establishment and risk, providing the commercial foundation for every bid the company submits.

Working closely with the Bid Management, Design Engineering (Concept stage), Procurement and Project Delivery teams, the HV Estimator ensures that estimates reflect realistic execution methods, current market pricing and an appropriate allowance for risk and contingency. The role also maintains and develops DCS Norway's cost database and estimating tools, and supports the handover of tender estimates into project budgets once contracts are awarded.

Note: DCS Norway operates a competence-based resource model. While this job description defines the primary function of the role, individuals are expected to contribute across other engineering and project functions based on their competencies and the needs of the business. This approach supports team flexibility, professional development, and efficient resource utilisation across projects.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Tender Analysis & Cost Estimating

• Review tender documents, technical specifications, drawings and contract conditions to define the scope and basis of estimate.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates (development of BOQ’s) for MV/HV substations, transformer stations, switchgear upgrades, MV distribution and grid connection projects.

• Carry out quantity take-offs from single-line diagrams, layouts and civil drawings for equipment, cables, earthing, steel structures and civil works.

• Build up labour estimates for installation, testing and commissioning using company productivity norms and crew rates.

• Prepare budgetary and order-of-magnitude estimates for early-stage opportunities and client feasibility requests.

Supplier & Subcontractor Pricing

• Prepare and issue RFQs to suppliers and subcontractors for major equipment (power transformers, GIS/AIS switchgear, protection & control panels, cables) and civil and installation works.

• Analyse, normalise and compare quotations, identifying scope gaps, exclusions and commercial risks.

• Work with Procurement to secure competitive pricing, realistic lead times and framework agreements.

• Maintain an up-to-date network of qualified suppliers and subcontractors in the Nordic and wider European markets.

• Account for logistics, freight, customs, currency exposure and price escalation in all estimates.

Risk, Contingency & Bid Strategy

• Identify cost and execution risks and opportunities, and quantify contingency together with the Bid Manager and Project Delivery team.

• Contribute to bid strategy, pricing options and value-engineering proposals to improve competitiveness.

• Prepare clear estimate summaries, basis-of-estimate documents, assumptions, qualifications and exclusions for internal approval.

• Present estimates at bid review meetings and support the company's tender approval process.

• Review contract conditions (e.g. NS 8405/NS 8407, YSE 1998, FIDIC) for cost implications, in liaison with the commercial team.

Cost Data & Estimating Tools

• Build and maintain DCS Norway's cost database, including unit rates, productivity norms, equipment prices and historical project costs.

• Develop and improve standardised estimating templates, tools and processes.

• Capture actual costs and lessons learned from completed projects to continuously improve estimate accuracy.

• Monitor market trends in equipment pricing, raw materials, labour rates and lead times.

• Ensure estimating records are complete, traceable and archived in line with the company IMS.

Handover & Project Support

• Hand over awarded tender estimates to project teams, explaining the basis of estimate, assumptions and risk allowances.

• Support Project Managers in setting up project budgets and cost breakdown structures.

• Price variations, change orders and claims during project execution.

• Support post-contract cost reviews and estimate-versus-actual analysis.

• Travel to client meetings and project sites in Norway and Finland when required (e.g. tender-stage site visits).

3. Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline. A recognised estimating or cost management certification (e.g. AACE, RICS) is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in cost estimating for MV/HV substation, transmission or power infrastructure projects.

• Experience estimating EPC or design-and-build contracts, ideally within a contractor environment.

• Proven track record of preparing complete tender estimates covering equipment, labour, subcontracts and risk.

• Familiarity with Nordic markets and grid-owner requirements (e.g. Statnett, Fingrid, regional DSOs) is highly desirable.

• Experience running supplier RFQ processes and the commercial evaluation of quotations.

Technical Skills:

• Sound technical understanding of substation equipment and systems: power transformers, switchgear, protection & control, cables, earthing and civil/structural works.

• Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams, layouts, technical specifications and civil drawings.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (complex cost models, pivot tables, lookups); experience with estimating or take-off software (e.g. CostX, Candy, Bluebeam) is an advantage.

• Understanding of contract forms and commercial terms used in the Nordics and internationally (NS 8405/8407, YSE 1998, FIDIC).

• Knowledge of the standards and regulations that drive scope and cost (e.g. IEC 61936-1, IEC 62271, NEK 440, FSE) is an advantage.

• Working knowledge of risk analysis and contingency methods (e.g. Monte Carlo, P50/P90) is a plus.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English (Portuguese is considered a plus).

• Must hold the right to work in the EU/EEA and be available for occasional travel to Norway, and Finland and other locations the Group is pricing projects in..

• Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities.

• High attention to detail and an analytical mindset, with the ability to work accurately under tight tender deadlines.

• Confident communicator, able to present and justify estimates to senior management.

• Collaborative team player, working effectively across engineering, procurement and project teams.

4. Strategic Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Tender estimates submitted complete and on time against the bid programme.

• Estimate accuracy: variance between tender estimate and project out-turn cost.

• Bid hit rate (tenders won vs. submitted) and contribution to margin on awarded projects.

• Number and quality of supplier quotations obtained per major tender package.

• Cost database kept current with actual costs from completed projects.

5. HSE

• Comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental legislation, regulations, and company procedures.

• Integrate safety-by-design principles into all engineering and project activities, ensuring that designs and solutions prioritise the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment.

• Participate in risk assessments and hazard identification activities relevant to the role.

• Report safety concerns, incidents, and near-misses in accordance with company HSE procedures.

• Support the development and maintenance of a positive safety culture within the team and across projects.

• Ensure compliance with the company Integrated Management System (IMS) covering quality, safety, and environmental standards.

6. Replacement Policy

• In case of absence of less than one month, the HV Estimator will be replaced by the Bid Manager, Head of Sales or CCO.

• For absences exceeding one month, a temporary replacement will be appointed by senior management. Internal or external recruitment may apply, according to DCS Norway replacement policy guideline

• The replacement person will assume the key responsibilities outlined in this job description to ensure continuity in estimating and bid activities.

7. BENEFITS

• Addition of variable performance based 0-10% (annual) bonus. This will depend on company and personal performance, and is further subject to an annual performance review;

• A meal allowance of €10,46 per working day, provided via meal card;

• Private health insurance coverage for the employee;

• 22 working days of annual leave, in accordance with Portuguese Labour
  Law;

• When you are out of Portugal for work, we will offer the nominal Portugal allowance (approximately €89 per day with 50% payment for last travel day), but the company will pay the accommodation and travel costs (which will be reflected in the contract). When you are away and are paid the daily living away allowance, the meal card payment is not payable.