About LPI Group
Since our establishment in 2011, Lightning Protection Ireland and Lightning Protection International have delivered cutting-edge lightning protection systems, earthing systems, and surge protection devices across the European data centre, pharmaceutical, commercial, and renewable energy sectors. In January 2021, to celebrate a successful 10 years in business, we launched our rebrand to LPI Group to reflect our growth as ‘Cloud to Ground Protection’ specialists in high-demand industries.
Purpose of Role
The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and financially sound cost estimates and bid proposals for grounding and lightning protection projects across all industries. This role ensures all bids are technically compliant, financially viable, and aligned with company risk guidelines while supporting sustainable business growth and profitability.
Responsibilities
Bid Management and Proposal Preparation
- Review bid invitations, drawings, specifications, and all related documentation.
- Assess project scope, including grounding systems, lightning protection systems, surge protection, testing, and commissioning requirements.
- Prepare detailed quantity take-offs based on drawings and specifications.
- Develop bid-related project schedules when required, coordinating with planning and operations teams.
- Prepare requests for information (RFIs) and clarification documents for clients and general contractors.
- Compile complete bid packages including pricing, technical submissions, exclusions, and qualifications.
- Ensure all proposals are accurate and submitted on time.
- Maintain an organized bid log and tracking system.
Cost Analysis & Estimating
- Produce detailed cost breakdowns for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, testing, and commissioning.
- Apply company labor rates and productivity standards for installation tasks (e.g., conductor installation, ground rod driving, testing, bonding).
- Obtain and evaluate supplier and specialty contractor quotations.
- Analyze drawings to quantify conductor lengths, ground electrodes, air terminals, fasteners, and related components.
- Develop pricing for non-standard or custom solutions.
- Ensure overhead and profit allowances align with company strategy
- Benchmark costs against previous comparable projects.
- Identify value‑engineering opportunities where appropriate.
Supplier & Vendor Engagement
- Communicate with manufacturers and suppliers of grounding and lightning protection materials.
- Obtain competitive pricing for copper conductors, ground rods, clamps, air terminals, fasteners, test clamps, inspection wells, surge protection devices, etc.
- Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to secure optimal pricing and delivery timelines.
- Evaluate supplier capability, reliability, and compliance with project specifications.
- Coordinate with procurement to ensure estimated costs align with current market conditions.
Risk Management & Commercial Review
- Identify technical, scheduling, logistical, and commercial risks in bid documents.
- Flag missing information, design gaps, and coordination risks.
- Review contract terms to identify high‑risk provisions (e.g., liquidated damages, warranties, retention requirements).
- Clearly outline exclusions and qualifications in all submissions.
- Assess site conditions, access limitations, and coordination risks with other trades.
- Provide margin and pricing sensitivity analysis when needed.
- Support the Larry Gahan in pricing strategy decisions.
Bid Review & Approval
- Present completed estimates to senior leadership for internal review.
- Prepare bid summary sheets.
- Incorporate feedback from review meetings.
- Finalize pricing and documentation for submission approval.
- Ensure all submissions follow company approval procedures.
Project Handoff to Operations
- Prepare a complete Bid Analysis and handoff package for the Operations Team once a project is awarded.
- Brief Regional Managers and Operations Teams on scope, pricing assumptions, and key risks.
- Provide support during early project stages as required.
Continuous Improvement
- Maintain a database of historical project costs and productivity data.
- Compare bid performance with actual project results.
- Participate in post‑project reviews to improve estimating accuracy.
- Identify opportunities to standardize pricing models and estimating tools.
- Monitor industry trends, material price changes (e.g., copper), and regulatory updates affecting grounding and lightning protection.
- Support the development of standard details and cost libraries.
