Fire & Security Estimator - South Africa

Position: Fire & Security Estimating Coordinator

Salary: 18,000 - 20,000/mo ZAR

Working Hours: Observing UK business hours

Holidays: Observing UK public holidays

Work Set-up: 100% Remote work under an Independent Contractor Agreement

Target Start Date: ASAP

Our client is a leading security and life safety specialist dedicated to protecting commercial and residential properties across the region. In this technical role, you will analyze site survey data, floor plans, and visual media to design accurate, compliant system solutions. Your precision in estimating equipment and producing sharp commercial quotes will directly fuel the company's growth and project success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze Media: Review architectural floor plans, survey notes, photos, and site videos to evaluate layouts and define project scope.
• Specify Equipment: Assess existing fire and security infrastructure to determine required systems, components, and hardware.
• Calculate Quantities: Estimate material requirements, device counts, cable runs, and labor needs based on remote survey data.
• Produce Quotations: Prepare clear, itemized quotes and material lists while maintaining target profit margins.
• Manage Costs: Source supplier pricing for specialized hardware to keep component costs competitive.
• Spot Upgrades: Identify opportunities for system upgrades, additions, or modernizations during design reviews.
• Translate Findings: Convert field engineer notes and site reports into professional client-facing quotes.
• Liaise with Stakeholders: Coordinate with engineers and clients to clarify technical details or request site visits when needed.
• Maintain Compliance: Ensure all designs align with manufacturer guidelines and relevant British Standards.
• Support Operations: Answer technical queries to assist the internal Operations and Service teams.

Requirements

• Industry Experience: Proven background in estimating, desktop surveying, or system design within Fire & Security.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with fire alarms, intruder alarms, IP CCTV, and access control platforms.
• Plan Literacy: Ability to read and extract measurements from scale floor plans and schematic drawings.
• Compliance Awareness: Working knowledge of relevant British Standards for fire and security installations.
• Commercial Skills: Ability to calculate margins, estimate labor, and build accurate project costs.
• Software Skills: Proficient in MS Office (Excel/Word) and standard quoting software.

Preferred Skills: (Nice-to-Haves)

• Field Background: Previous hands-on experience as an installation or service engineer.
• Digital Tools: Experience using CAD or PDF markup tools (e.g., Bluebeam) for digital takeoffs.
• Vendor Knowledge: Familiarity with major industry brands (e.g., Texecom, Hikvision, Paxton, C-TEC, Ajax, EMS Smartcell, Pyronix).