Lead Estimator – Catering Services

Job Summary The Lead Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates, tenders, and commercial proposals for catering, food services, camp operations, and hospitality projects. The role requires strong experience in catering bids, pricing models, food cost calculations, manpower costing, and commercial analysis to support successful tender submissions. Key Responsibilities • Review RFPs, RFQs, and tender documents. • Prepare detailed cost estimates for catering and food service contracts. • Develop pricing models for manpower, food supplies, equipment, and logistics. • Calculate food cost, menu costing, and operational expenses. • Coordinate with Operations, Procurement, and Finance teams during bid preparation. • Analyze client requirements, contract terms, and commercial risks. • Obtain supplier and subcontractor quotations. • Prepare commercial proposals, BOQs, and bid submissions. • Conduct profitability and margin analysis. • Participate in tender clarifications and commercial negotiations. • Maintain a database of historical cost data and pricing benchmarks. Requirements • Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, Hospitality Management, Engineering, or related field. • 8+ years of estimating/bidding experience. • Minimum 3-5 years specifically in catering, food services, camp management, or hospitality tenders. • Strong commercial and financial analysis background. • Experience preparing bids for large-scale catering contracts. • Strong knowledge of food costing and manpower costing. • Advanced Excel skills. • Experience with GCC/Qatar market is preferred. • Strong analytical and negotiation skills.