Graduate Estimator

Guidera O Connor Pty Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Professional development opportunities

Career progression pathways

Flexible work arrangements where appic

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Employee recognition programs

Social and team events

Opportunities to contribute to meaning

Job summary

Guidera O’Connor is seeking a Graduate Estimator to join the Core Bid Team. Based in Thebarton, you will gain hands-on experience in estimating and bid development, working with experienced estimators to prepare competitive bids.

You will engage with suppliers, review project docs, and help develop accurate project cost estimates, while building technical, commercial, and stakeholder-management skills within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• A degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or Construction Management is required.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities are important.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn are desirable.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail is expected.
• Exposure to construction, infrastructure, or the water industry is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with quantity take-offs from engineering drawings and project documentation.
• Prepare and issue RFQs to suppliers and subcontractors.
• Assist with supplier comparison evaluations and estimate preparation.
• Support the development of accurate project cost estimates and bid submissions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Support the preparation of resource schedules, rates, and cost models.
• Contribute to meeting bid deadlines with a focus on quality and accuracy.
• Develop an understanding of estimating processes within the water and construction sectors.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Relationship building

Proactive attitude

Willingness to learn

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Education

Mechanical or Chemical Engineering or Construction Management degree

Job description

At Guidera O’Connor, we deliver more than infrastructure. We create the essential systems that enable communities and industries to access safe water, protect the environment, and build resilience for the future.

For more than two decades, we have partnered with customers across Australia to solve complex water and wastewater challenges through innovative thinking, specialist expertise, and collaborative project delivery.

Our exclusive focus on the water sector means we understand the unique operational, regulatory, and sustainability challenges our customers face.

By combining engineering excellence, practical construction experience, and a commitment to long‑term partnerships, we deliver solutions that maximise value, reduce risk, and leave a positive legacy for the communities we serve.

The Role

With a strong pipeline of projects and continued growth across Australia, Guidera O'Connor is seeking a Graduate Estimator to join our Core Bid Team based in Thebarton.

This is an exciting opportunity for a recent Mechanical or Chemical Engineering graduate or a Construction Management graduate to gain hands‑on experience in estimating and bid development within a highly specialised industry. Working closely with experienced Estimators and the Lead Estimator, you will contribute to the preparation of competitive project bids while developing valuable technical, commercial, and stakeholder management skills.

You will play a key role in supporting the estimating process, engaging with suppliers and subcontractors, reviewing project documentation, and assisting with the development of accurate project cost estimates.

You will work alongside and be supported by a team of experienced professionals, united by Guidera O'Connor's five guiding principles: Care, Integrity, Passion, Respect, and Future.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with quantity take-offs from engineering drawings and project documentation
• Prepare and issue requests for quotation (RFQs) to suppliers and subcontractors
• Assist with supplier comparison evaluations and estimate preparation
• Support the development of accurate project cost estimates and bid submissions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors
• Support the preparation of resource schedules, rates, and cost models
• Contribute to meeting bid deadlines while maintaining a strong focus on quality and accuracy
• Develop a thorough understanding of estimating processes within the water and construction sectors

About You

You are a motivated engineering graduate who enjoys problem‑solving, working with numbers, and collaborating with others to achieve successful outcomes.

Highly organised and detail‑focused, you can manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines. You are eager to learn, comfortable communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, and looking to build a long‑term career in project estimation and construction.

You will ideally bring:

• A degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or Construction Management
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Strong communication and relationship‑building abilities
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn
• The ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Exposure to construction, infrastructure, or the water industry (desirable but not essential)

Guidera O'Connor is an equal opportunity employer. If you meet most, but not all, of the criteria we'd still love to hear from you.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Guidera O’Connor, we value a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, culture, or identity.

As part of our commitment to gender equity, we aim to increase the participation of women in the construction industry and encourage applications from women for all roles.

As part of our Reconciliation Action commitment, we also strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We believe our people are our greatest asset, which is why we invest in their wellbeing, development, and success.

• competitive remuneration
• professional development opportunities
• career progression pathways
• flexible work arrangements where appropriate
• health and wellbeing initiatives
• employee recognition programs
• social and team events
• opportunities to contribute to meaningful community and sustainability initiatives

At Guidera O’Connor, you’ll be supported to build a rewarding career while maintaining a healthy balance between work and life.