Designer/Estimator

Designer / Estimator

Fire & Security Systems

Role Purpose

The Designer / Estimator is responsible for providing professional design, estimating, and technical support services to the Fire & Security Sales Teams and the wider business. The role involves interpreting customer requirements, producing compliant technical designs, preparing accurate project estimates, and providing expert technical guidance throughout the sales and delivery process.

Working closely with internal stakeholders, customers, consultants, and suppliers, the Designer / Estimator plays a key role in ensuring all proposed fire and security solutions meet relevant industry standards, customer expectations, and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide design and estimating support to the Project Sales Teams for fire and security system opportunities.
• Develop compliant, cost-effective fire and security system designs based on customer requirements and site surveys.
• Produce quotations, technical specifications, scopes of work, drawings, and supporting tender documentation.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates covering equipment, labour, commissioning, and subcontractor requirements.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, legislation, customer specifications, and company procedures.
• Support public sector, commercial, FM, M&E, and high-security tender submissions.
• Act as a technical subject matter expert, providing guidance to sales, operational, project, and service teams.
• Liaise with customers, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers to develop effective technical solutions.
• Support value engineering initiatives without compromising compliance, performance, or customer requirements.
• Assist project delivery teams with technical clarification and design-related support.
• Maintain knowledge of current industry standards, emerging technologies, and best practice.
• Support quality assurance, audit activities, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Design & Estimating function.

Person SpecificationEssential Experience & Knowledge

• Significant experience within the Fire & Security industry in design, estimating, installation, commissioning, or project delivery.
• Strong technical knowledge of:
  • Fire Detection & Alarm Systems (BS5839, FIA Design Principles)
  • Intruder Alarm Systems (PD6662, BS8243, EN50131)
  • CCTV Systems (BS EN 62676, BS8418, IP Video Systems)
  • Access Control Systems (EN60839 and integrated access solutions)
• Understanding of structured cabling, IP networking, security system integration, and cloud-based security solutions.
• Experience interpreting technical specifications, drawings, and consultant requirements.
• Proven ability to prepare accurate and commercially viable project estimates.
• Experience supporting formal tender submissions across commercial, public sector, government, or critical infrastructure environments.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience working within NSI Gold accredited or similar regulated environments.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential

• Relevant Fire & Security industry experience.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using estimating and CAD/design software.

Desirable

• FIA Design Qualifications (Levels 1-3).
• Manufacturer accreditations and product certifications.
• Engineering, Electronics, Fire, Security, or related technical qualification.
• AutoCAD or equivalent design software qualification.