Senior Estimator – Electrical DC
SES Engineering Services are looking for a Senior Electrical Estimator to join our SES Technology team whose offices are based in Sunderland, focusing specifically on our high‑profile, Data Centre and Advanced Manufacturing projects on a national basis. If you are passionate about construction, have experience in large data centre or manufacturing projects and are looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.
Job Purpose
To lead the electrical estimating function for data centre construction projects, ensuring accurate and competitive pricing of electrical systems including power distribution, UPS, generators, and containment. The role supports bid submissions and project planning, contributing to the successful delivery of high‑resilience, mission‑critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
* ESTIMATING & COSTING – Prepare detailed cost estimates for electrical systems including LV/HV distribution, UPS systems, standby generators, containment and lighting; quantify materials, labour, equipment and subcontractor costs specific to data centre environments; evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations for compliance with technical and commercial requirements (e.g. fire & security systems, lightning & earthing protection); develop cost breakdowns and summaries for tender submissions, including lifecycle cost considerations.
* TENDERING & BID MANAGEMENT – Attend site visits and pre‑bid meetings to assess project scope, constraints and risk factors; collaborate with design, commercial and delivery teams to develop bid strategies aligned with client expectations; prepare and submit compliant tender documentation, ensuring alignment with client bid management software and other relevant standards.
* TECHNICAL & COMMERCIAL REVIEW – Interpret electrical specifications, drawings and performance criteria for Tier‑rated data centres; identify value engineering opportunities and alternative solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce cost; ensure estimates reflect redundancy, scalability and energy‑efficiency requirements typical of data centre builds.
* COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION – Liaise with internal stakeholders including MEP engineers, BIM coordinators and procurement teams; maintain strong relationships with specialist suppliers and subcontractors in the data centre sector; support post‑tender negotiations and project handovers with clear documentation and rationale.
* REPORTING & DOCUMENTATION – Maintain accurate records of estimates, assumptions and pricing sources; update cost databases with data centre‑specific benchmarks and market trends; provide reporting to senior management on bid performance, win/loss analysis and market competitiveness.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary & profit share scheme
* Flexible working
* Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)
* Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
* Extensive corporate benefits including Private Medical, Pension 6% employers' contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…
* Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
* Industry‑leading family leave benefits including 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.
Basic Check
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offences. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre‑employment checks.
To learn more about the checks included in this process, please read the National Security Vetting information.
We are committed to the fair treatment of people with criminal records, including employees and potential employees. Our recruitment, promotion and retention activity does not treat people less favourably because of an offending background.
We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within WATES Group.
If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In‑House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible.
As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People; we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family‑owned business means we understand and value long‑term relationships.
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