Specifications Writer / Cost Estimator

Turn a good design into an executable project!

A good civil engineering design is only truly valuable if it can also be realized in the field. For this, clear contract documents, an accurate cost estimate, and an eye for constructability are essential. As a Specifications Writer / Cost Estimator at Aveco de Bondt, you ensure that designs are translated into clear, complete, and financially substantiated contract documents.

You will work on diverse projects in public spaces, infrastructure, water, and area development. From the redesign of an urban area and the construction of infrastructure to projects surrounding water safety and climate adaptation. You are involved in the phase in which plans are made concrete and ensure that a project is ready for the next step: execution.

With your experience, technical knowledge, and eye for detail, you make an important contribution to projects that make the Netherlands livable, accessible, and future-proof.

As a Specifications Writer / Cost Estimator, you work at the intersection of design, contract preparation, and execution. You translate designs and technical principles into clear contract documents while simultaneously ensuring that the financial consequences of choices are transparent.

Your duties include:

• Drafting RAW specifications, technical specifications, and other contract documents;

• Translating civil engineering designs into clear and executable specifications;

• Preparing and checking cost estimates and budgets;

• Calculating quantities and assessing costs based on designs and technical principles;

• Checking drawings, specifications, and other contract documents for completeness, consistency, and constructability;

• Advising project managers, designers, and clients on technical and financial choices;

• Thinking along about contract forms, tenders, and project preparation;

• Coordinating with clients, contractors, and colleagues from various disciplines;

• Identifying risks, deviations, and opportunities within contract preparation.

You are therefore not just the person who writes the specifications. You actively think along about the project as a whole and know how to translate technical choices into practical and financial consequences.

You are an experienced civil engineering professional who gets energy from the phase in which a design is translated into a concrete and executable project. You work accurately, maintain an overview, and know when to ask follow-up questions to arrive at a good contract document or a reliable estimate.

In addition, you bring:

• A completed MBO, HBO, or WO degree in the direction of Civil Engineering or similar;

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience as a specifications writer, contract preparer, cost estimator, or in a similar position;

• Experience with drafting civil engineering specifications and contract documents;

• Knowledge of the RAW system and relevant contract forms and guidelines;

• Experience in creating and assessing cost estimates, including direct estimates, budget estimates, and SSK estimates;

• You can translate technical information, drawings, and quantities into clear contract documents;

• You have an eye for detail, but do not lose sight of the broader project interest;

• You communicate easily with designers, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders;

• You have excellent command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written.

Have you not held the exact job title of Specifications Writer / Cost Estimator, but for example have experience as a contract preparer, civil works preparer, or civil engineering advisor and recognize yourself in the duties? Then we would love to get in touch with you.

• Social: Together you achieve more. You are involved, know how to connect people, and are open to other perspectives. You find it important to work in an environment where collaboration, fun, and respect are central;

• Pragmatic: You love to get stuck in and look for solutions that actually work. No endless theoretical stories, but concrete results that benefit the client and the environment;

• Entrepreneurial: You have courage and see opportunities where others might see obstacles. You think ahead, dare to propose new ideas, and take the initiative to shape the future.

• A salary of €4,200 to €6,900

• Working on challenging and socially relevant civil engineering projects;

• Hybrid working with a lot of freedom in time and place;

• Full reimbursement of commuting expenses;

• Facilities for an ergonomic home working environment;

• Room for personal development, training, and professional specialization;

• A professional and informal working environment in which collaboration is central;

• The opportunity to further develop towards, for example, contract management, project management, or a specialist role.