Lead Estimator

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

About the role

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

This role is also advertised on SEEK Lead Estimator Job in Canberra ACT - SEEK