Estimating Manager - Mechanical

Unify Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Unify Recruitment partners with one of Australia’s leading national Tier 1 mechanical contractors to recruit an Estimating Manager in Sydney. The role leads the estimating function for major tenders across commercial, healthcare and data centre sectors.

You will manage the estimating team, allocate resources and drive the tendering process from strategy to submission, working with in-house engineering and delivery teams to optimize outcomes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in mechanical/HVAC estimating and tendering.
• Experience leading estimating teams on major projects.
• Strong commercial understanding and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function for major tenders.
• Oversee workload, resources and deadlines for tenders.
• Review estimates and pricing strategies with senior management.
• Mentor and develop the estimating team.
• Coordinate with engineering, pre-construction and delivery teams.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Mechanical estimating

Tendering

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Job description

I'm working with one of Australia's leading national Tier 1 mechanical contractors who are looking to appoint an experienced Estimating Manager to join their business.

This is a significant appointment for the company, with a strong pipeline of major projects across the commercial, healthcare and data centre sectors.

They're looking for someone who has spent a good 10+ years in mechanical estimating, understands the complexities of major projects and, just as importantly, knows how to lead and develop a team.

The business has an established national presence and a strong reputation for delivering large-scale, technically complex mechanical projects. With experienced in-house engineering, design and delivery teams, they have the resources and technical capability to compete for some of Australia's most significant construction projects.

The Role

As Estimating Manager, you'll take responsibility for leading the estimating function, overseeing major tenders and ensuring the business is putting forward competitive, commercially sound submissions.

This is a hands-on leadership position. You'll still be involved in the technical and commercial side of major tenders, but you'll also be responsible for managing the estimating team, allocating resources and driving the overall tendering process.

You'll work closely with senior management, engineering, pre-construction and operational teams to identify opportunities, manage risk and help secure the next generation of major projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the mechanical estimating team
• Oversee major tenders across commercial, healthcare and data centre projects
• Manage tender workloads, resources, deadlines and estimating priorities
• Review and approve estimates, pricing strategies and tender submissions
• Oversee cost planning, subcontractor pricing and supplier negotiations
• Identify commercial risks, opportunities and value engineering options
• Work closely with engineering and design teams on technical solutions and buildability
• Manage tender clarifications, qualifications and commercial negotiations
• Build and maintain relationships with builders, clients, consultants and key subcontractors
• Present tender strategies, project risks and recommendations to senior management
• Ensure a smooth handover from estimating through to project delivery
• Support the continued improvement of estimating systems, processes and team performance

Who They're Looking For

The business is looking for someone who has built a strong career in mechanical estimating and is ready to take ownership of a major estimating function.

Ideally, you'll bring

• 10+ years of experience within mechanical/HVAC estimating
• A strong background working for Tier 1 or Tier 2 mechanical contractors
• Proven experience estimating major, technically complex mechanical projects
• Exposure to commercial, healthcare, data centre or major infrastructure projects
• Strong commercial understanding, including tender risk, procurement and contract requirements
• Previous experience managing, mentoring or leading estimating teams
• Confidence dealing with senior management, builders and clients
• The ability to manage multiple major tenders while maintaining quality and accuracy
• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical building services and construction methodologies

Previous Estimating Manager experience would be highly regarded. However, an experienced Senior Estimator who has been leading teams and is ready to step into a broader management position would also be considered.

Why Join This Business?

The biggest selling point here is the opportunity to take on a genuine leadership role within an established national Tier 1 contractor.

This isn't a business trying to break into the major projects market. They already have the reputation, resources, relationships and project experience to compete at the highest level.

You'll be working alongside experienced senior management and strong in-house engineering and delivery teams, with the opportunity to influence how major projects are priced, tendered and secured.

The business is also known for its supportive culture, investment in its people and long-term career opportunities.

For someone who has spent years estimating major mechanical projects and wants to take the next step in their career, this is an opportunity to make a real impact on the future direction of the business.

Equally, if you're already an Estimating Manager and looking for a change of environment, stronger support or exposure to a broader pipeline of major projects, it's well worth a conversation.

All applications and conversations will be treated in the strictest confidence.