Material Takeoff Officer

Burhani Engineers Limited Company is one of the best engineering companies in Nairobi, Kenya. We are committed to excellence and have been a cornerstone of innovation and reliability in the engineering industry for many years.

Our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering top-notch solutions to various sectors. Our expertise spans across electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering, as well as instrumentation, allowing us to cater to a wide array of projects.

Job Purpose

The Material Take-Off Technician will play a critical role in project planning and cost estimation process within a civil engineering environment. The position involves detailed analysis of engineering drawings, technical specifications, and construction documents to extract precise quantities of materials required for various civil works. Drawing from a Quantity Surveying background, the Officer will ensure the timely and accurate preparation of material take-off schedules to support cost control, procurement, and site execution.

This role is instrumental in ensuring efficient material planning, minimizing wastage, and support the financial feasibility of infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Material Take-Offs & Quantity Extraction

• Review and interpret architectural, structural, and civil engineering drawings including general arrangement (GA), sections, and detail drawings.
• Accurately extract quantities of materials such as concrete, reinforcement bars, formwork, backfilling, aggregates, steel, piping, asphalt, timber, and finishing materials.
• Prepare comprehensive material schedules and summaries per discipline, phase and location.

1. Estimating & Tendering Support

• Provide detailed material quantities to support tender documentation, preliminary estimates, and BOQ development.
• Work collaboratively with the cost estimation team to align material take-offs with standard unit rates and cost build-up.
• Update quantity estimates based on drawing revisions, change orders, and site modifications.

1. Documentation & Reporting

• Create and maintain structured quantity tracking sheets and take-off logs.
• Ensure all extracted quantities are referenced against the latest issued drawings and specification documents.
• Support the development of procurement schedules based on material quantities and construction timelines.

1. Site & Technical Coordination

• Liaise with project engineers, site supervisors, and foremen to verify material usage and reconcile actual quantities with estimates.
• Participate in joint site visits to confirm measurements and identify potential quantity discrepancies or scope gaps.
• Assist in validating contractor claims related to material quantities and work progress.

1. Digital Tools & Software Utilization

• Use digital measurement and take-off tools such as:
  • AutoCAD for 2D measurement and verification
  • PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, or similar platforms for digital take-offs
  • MS Excel and/or Quantity Surveying software for quantity tabulations and reporting

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Minimum of Four (4) years of experience in a similar role within a civil engineering, infrastructure, or construction firm.
• Solid understanding of civil engineering components, construction sequences, and technical specifications.

Key Competencies & Skills:

1. Technical Proficiency

• In-depth knowledge of standard measurement principles (POMI, CESMM, NRM).
• Ability to work with large drawing sets and complex layouts.
• Familiarity with local building codes, material specifications, and civil construction practices.

1. Attention to Detail

• High degree of accuracy in quantity calculations.
• Capable of cross-checking multiple sources and formats for consistency.

1. Communication & Teamwork

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers, QSs, procurement, and site teams.

1. Time Management & Organization

• Able to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Capable of working under pressure, especially during tender submissions or cost revision phases.

Desirable Attributes:

• Membership with a recognized Quantity Surveying professional body (e.g., IQSK, ACPMK, RICS).
• Experience with infrastructure, building and construction projects is an added advantage.