The Assistant QS works in our Pricing and Projects department in Kampala, preparing accurate cost estimates and quotations that allow the business to price work competitively and reliably. The role exists to ensure that material quantities and costs are calculated correctly before projects begin. It is a contract position reporting to the Project Manager.
What you will do
- Prepare detailed cost estimates and quotations by reviewing scope documents, specifications, and technical drawings.
- Carry out quantity takeoffs from drawings and project documents, ensuring all materials and labour elements are captured accurately.
- Identify and apply current market rates for materials, subcontractors, and other cost inputs when building up estimates.
- Review and interpret technical drawings to extract the information needed for pricing, flagging ambiguities to the Project Manager.
- Maintain organised records of estimates, quotations, and supporting calculations so that pricing decisions can be reviewed and audited.
- Compare actual project costs against estimates and report variances to support continuous improvement in pricing accuracy.
- Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors as directed to obtain and verify pricing information.
- Support the preparation of tender submissions by compiling cost data, schedules of rates, and bill of quantities documents within agreed deadlines.
Qualifications
- Quantity Surveying Degree
- Demonstrated experience carrying out quantity takeoffs and preparing cost estimates on construction or fit-out projects.
- Proven ability to read and interpret technical drawings and extract pricing information from them.
What you will bring
- Expert ability in cost analysis, including the capacity to lead and set direction on how estimates are built up and reviewed.
- Expert-level quantity takeoff skills, working accurately and independently across a range of project types and drawing formats.
- Advanced knowledge of construction materials, enabling you to identify appropriate specifications and apply realistic market rates without supervision.
- Advanced ability to read and interpret technical drawings, extracting the detail needed for pricing and identifying gaps or inconsistencies.
- A methodical and honest approach to your work, maintaining accuracy and transparency in all estimates and records.
- The ability to work effectively with project managers, suppliers, and subcontractors, and to adapt when project requirements change.