Director of Estimation

Company Description RZPeople Solutions is a professional services firm specializing in talent acquisition and organizational consultancy across diverse industries. The company focuses on connecting organizations with experienced leaders and highly skilled professionals for critical roles. Position OverviewThe Director of Estimation is responsible for leading the organization's estimating and tendering function, ensuring the preparation of competitive, accurate, and commercially sound bids for major construction and infrastructure projects. Reporting directly to the CEO of the Contracting Business Unit, the role provides strategic leadership across pre-contract activities, cost planning, bid management, value engineering, and commercial input to support sustainable business growth.The successful candidate will oversee a high-performing team of estimators and work closely with executive leadership, business development, engineering, procurement, operations, and commercial teams to secure profitable projects while maintaining the highest standards of governance, quality, and risk management.Industry: Construction & Infrastructure ContractingKey ResponsibilitiesEstimation & Tendering LeadershipLead and manage the company's estimating and tendering department across all business sectors.Develop and implement estimating strategies aligned with the company's business objectives and growth plans.Review tender opportunities and determine bid/no-bid recommendations in collaboration with executive management.Direct the preparation of detailed cost estimates for major building, civil, infrastructure, industrial, and design-build projects.Ensure all estimates are accurate, commercially competitive, technically compliant, and submitted within required deadlines.Oversee bid pricing, tender documentation, commercial clarifications, and final proposal submissions.Commercial StrategyProvide strategic commercial input during tender preparation.Lead value engineering initiatives to optimize project costs while maintaining quality and technical compliance.Identify commercial risks, pricing opportunities, and mitigation strategies during bid preparation.Review contract conditions and advise management on commercial implications.Ensure alignment between estimating assumptions, procurement strategies, and project execution plans.Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of estimators, quantity surveyors, and bid professionals.Establish departmental KPIs and performance objectives.Promote continuous improvement, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing within the estimating function.Build succession plans and support talent development across the department.Stakeholder ManagementCollaborate with Business Development to support strategic pursuits and key client opportunities.Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Planning, and Commercial departments throughout the tender lifecycle.Participate in executive reviews, tender presentations, and client meetings where required.Maintain strong relationships with consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and strategic partners.Cost Management & Market IntelligenceMaintain comprehensive cost databases, productivity benchmarks, and market intelligence.Monitor construction market trends, material pricing, labor costs, and subcontractor performance.Ensure estimating methodologies reflect current market conditions and industry best practices.Implement digital tools and technology to improve estimating accuracy and efficiency.Governance & Risk ManagementEnsure compliance with company policies, governance frameworks, and tender approval procedures.Lead risk reviews for major bids and ensure appropriate contingency planning.Maintain high standards of confidentiality throughout the bidding process.Support continuous improvement initiatives across the pre-contract function.QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.Master's degree (preferred).Chartered or professional certifications (MRICS, PMP, AACE, CIOB, or equivalent) are advantageous.ExperienceMinimum 20 years of construction contracting experience.At least 10 years in a senior estimating leadership role.Extensive GCC experience, preferably within the UAE.Proven track record of leading estimating functions for Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors.Demonstrated experience delivering successful tenders for major building and infrastructure projects.Experience managing multidisciplinary estimating teams.Technical CompetenciesConstruction estimating and cost planningTender strategy and bid managementCommercial and contractual knowledge (FIDIC preferred)Value engineeringRisk analysisProcurement strategyCost benchmarkingQuantity surveying principlesDesign and Build procurementEstimating software (Candy, CostX, CCS, or equivalent)Primavera P6 and Microsoft Office SuiteERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)