Cost Engineer

Job Description: Estimator/Cost Engineer

Location:
Karachi, Pakistan

Position Overview:

The Estimator/Cost Engineer is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates, quantity take-offs, and cost control reports for ongoing and upcoming projects. This role ensures that project budgets, pricing strategies, and cost forecasts are aligned with organisational goals. The professional will collaborate closely with engineering, procurement, planning, and project management teams to support bidding, budgeting, and execution phases.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Cost Estimation and Budgeting:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for civil, structural, architectural, MEP, and infrastructure works.
• Analyse project drawings, specifications, and BOQs to determine accurate quantities and cost parameters.
• Develop preliminary, conceptual, and definitive cost estimates.
• Prepare project budgets and cost breakdowns for management approval.

2. Quantity Take-Offs:

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs using drawings, models, and specifications.
• Verify quantities submitted by consultants and contractors.
• Maintain take-off sheets and ensure accurate documentation.

3. Tendering and Bidding Support:

• Prepare tender BOQs, rate analyses, and pricing sheets.
• Analyse vendor/supplier quotations and compare rates.
• Participate in tender clarification meetings and provide technical/commercial responses.
• Support bid preparation, submission, and follow-up.

4. Cost Control and Monitoring:

• Develop and maintain project cost control systems.
• Track actual costs versus budgeted amounts and report variances.
• Prepare monthly cost reports, cash-flow forecasts, and cost-to-complete assessments.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure cost compliance.

5. Market Research and Rate Analysis:

• Conduct market analysis for material prices, labour rates, and equipment costs.
• Maintain updated cost databases and supplier lists.
• Prepare rate build-ups for new items based on market conditions.

6. Collaboration and Technical Support:

• Work closely with engineering, planning, and site teams to validate cost inputs.
• Participate in design reviews and value engineering sessions.
• Provide cost-related insights to management for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Education:

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline.

Experience:

• 6 to 10 years of relevant experience in estimation, cost engineering, or quantity surveying.
• Experience with infrastructure, buildings, roads, utilities, or EPC projects.

Technical Skills:

• Excellent command of MS Excel, cost estimation tools, and ERP systems.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Planswift, or similar take-off software.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and market pricing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOQs, and specifications.

Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Time management and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Problem solving and cost optimisation mindset.

Preferred Skills:

• Certification in cost engineering or quantity surveying (CCE, CCP, PQS, MRICS) is a plus.
• Experience working in contracting or EPC companies.
• Knowledge of project planning tools like Primavera or MS Project.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits.
• Must be able to handle multiple tenders/projects at once.

Times Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, or ethnic

origin.

If you're interested, please send us your resumes along with the links to your portfolios showcasing your skills and experiences