Lead Estimator

Complex Co.; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Complex Co. in Canberra is seeking a Lead Estimator to provide hands-on tender preparation and pricing leadership for civil and construction projects.

You will guide the estimating team, deliver accurate cost estimates, and influence pricing strategies while coordinating subcontractor engagement and tender milestones. The role requires strong experience in commercial construction, mentoring skills, and proficiency with Benchmark, Bluebeam Revu, Excel and MS Project to maintain rigorous costing

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in commercial construction / civil infrastructure estimating.
• Experience leading complex civil tenders.
• Strong understanding of civil construction methodologies, contracts, risk identification and pricing strategy.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates, budgets and scopes for civil tenders.
• Review tender docs to confirm scope, risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate site inspections to assess conditions and risks.
• Perform quantity take-offs using Benchmark, Revu, and Excel.
• Prepare cost build-ups, subcontractor comparisons and pricing reconciliations.
• Analyze historical project data to support pricing accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Promote consistent estimating methodologies, tools and documentation standards.
• Maintain relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers.

Skills

Tender coordination

Cost estimating

Mentoring junior estimators

Communication

Project management

Tools

Benchmark

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Job description

For more than 60 years, Complex has been known for delivering award winning construction projects across the built environment.

Our skillful execution of quality projects is an expression of our personal and professional commitment to connecting and enhancing communities.

We are looking for a Lead Estimator, this role will provide support and technical advice to our estimating team, deliver accurate, competitive, and well-documented cost estimates for civil & construction projects, while also providing oversight and tender coordination to the estimating team.

The Lead Estimator is a critical role that remains hands-on in the preparation of tenders while contributing to pricing strategy, subcontractor engagement, and achieving tendering milestones.

Key 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

About you

• 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