Lead Civil Estimator & Tender Strategist

Embedded Shishya; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Embedded Shishya invites applications for a Lead Estimator to support the estimating team, delivering accurate, competitive cost estimates for civil and construction projects and providing tender coordination oversight.

The role remains hands-on in tender preparation, contributing to pricing strategy, subcontractor engagement, and achieving tender milestones. It also involves mentoring junior estimators and ensuring consistent estimating methodologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in commercial construction / civil infrastructure estimating.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and leading complex civil tenders.
• Strong understanding of civil, building and construction methodologies, contract review and risk identification, and cost planning and pricing strategy.
• Proven ability to mentor and support junior and mid-level estimators.
• High-level competency in Benchmark, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Project (Intermediate level).
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal, negotiation, and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates, budgets, and scopes of work for civil construction tenders
• Review tender documentation (drawings, specifications, RFTs, contracts) to confirm scope, risks, and opportunities
• Conduct and/or coordinate site inspections to assess conditions and identify construction risks
• Perform and review quantity take-offs using Benchmark, Revu, and Excel
• Prepare detailed cost build-ups, subcontractor comparisons, and pricing reconciliations
• Analyse historical project data to support pricing accuracy and continuous improvement
• Promote consistent estimating methodologies, tools, and documentation standards
• Maintain effective working relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers

Skills

Estimating & tendering

Mentoring juniors

Communication skills

Project coordination

Tools

Benchmark

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Job description

Embedded Shishya invites applications for a Lead Estimator to support the estimating team, delivering accurate, competitive cost estimates for civil and construction projects and providing tender coordination oversight.

The role remains hands-on in tender preparation, contributing to pricing strategy, subcontractor engagement, and achieving tender milestones. It also involves mentoring junior estimators and ensuring consistent estimating methodologies.