Manager – Tendering & Estimation

Team Manager-Tendering & Estimation

Job Location

Mumbai

Job Purpose

The Tendering & Estimation-Team Manager will manage the Tendering & Estimation team in preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for data center projects across India, UAE, and Africa regions. This role requires extensive experience in CSA Scope, with a deep understanding of local Authority regulations, market conditions, and MEP/DC construction standard practices and costings.

The Estimation and Proposals Manager leads the team responsible for managing the tendering process which includes ensuring accurate and competitive cost estimation for projects, aligning with organizational goals and client requirements. To review and approve the bids prepared by the proposal engineers, accurately estimating the costs and submitting the tenders. This involves analyzing project specifications, conducting site visits, and collaborating with technical engineers and other stakeholders to determine the scope of work and resource requirements. This position plays a key role in securing profitable projects while maintaining high standards of accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism.

Roles & Responsibilities

Key Responsibility Areas

• Responsible for the management of complete proposal / estimating activities of projects being tendered for large integrated Mechanical, E&I and Civil projects exclusively in Design and Build Data Center sectors.
• Ensure that the estimation and proposals team have a robust cost estimating / proposal process in place to meet the company growth strategy.
• Identify and evaluate risks in all major tenders and develop strategies in place to manage the risks during estimation process.
• Utilize cost methodologies and tools and appropriate software models and packages to prepare and maintain reliable and accurate data.
• Manage the estimation team, providing guidance, training, and performance monitoring.
• Lead the pre-bid meetings, site visits, and tender negotiations to ensure comprehensive understanding of project scope.
• Oversee the tender preparation and lead the presentation to the tender board for necessary approvals based on DOA.
• Verification of quantity take off by engineer / draughtsman.
• Contribute to the creation and implementation of best practice, cost estimating vision, strategy, processes and procedures to aid and improve operational performance.
• Analyze market trends, material costs, and labor rates to ensure competitive and realistic pricing.
• Prepare risk assessments and develop contingency plans for estimates.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and legal requirements in all estimation activities.
• Coordination between team members: Data centers are highly complex, requiring precise coordination of various systems like power supply, cooling, and network infrastructure. Estimating costs for such intricate projects demands a deep understanding of each component and how they interact.
• Regulatory Compliance: Different regions have varying regulations and standards for data center construction. Ensuring compliance with these regulations while preparing cost estimates can be challenging, especially when working across multiple countries.
• Supply Chain Management: Estimation Managers need to account for potential supply chain vendors and develop contacts for the strategic tie-ups.
• Market Volatility: Fluctuations in material costs, labor rates, and currency exchange rates can affect the accuracy of cost estimates. Estimation Managers must continuously monitor market conditions and adjust their estimates accordingly.
• Client Expectations: Balancing client expectations with realistic cost estimates is crucial. Clients often have high expectations for performance and cost-efficiency, which can be challenging to meet within budget constraints.
• Reporting: Prepare and present detailed estimation reports to senior management and stakeholders.

Key Performance Indicators

• Accuracy of cost estimates compared to actual project costs.
• Success rate in winning bids and tenders.
• Adherence to estimation timelines and deadlines.
• Efficiency in resource utilization during estimation processes.
• Quality and comprehensiveness of estimation documentation and reports.
• Satisfaction of internal stakeholders (project management, procurement) with estimation support.

Organizational Accountabilities

• Contribute to the strategic objectives of the organization by aligning estimation practices with business goals.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive project and company information.
• Support leadership in decision-making by providing data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Represent the organization in client meetings, industry forums, and professional networks.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in estimation, with a focus on civil, structural, architectural, and finishing works within the India market, with a focus on data center / industrial projects or experience in a reputed company. Also, Gulf + Africa market experience is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of estimation software would be an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and techniques.
• Knowledge of market rates, cost control, and budget management.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Certifications in cost estimation or project management (e.g., CCP, PMP, CEP) are an advantage.
• Estimation Tools: Excel / Candy / Power BI / Autodesk Quantity Takeoff.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in estimation software and tools.
• In-depth knowledge of local construction regulations and market conditions.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.

Attitude

• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.