Lead Estimator

Clough Limited; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exposure to major projects

Career development

National project experience

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Clough Limited seeks a Lead Estimator to manage the estimating function across tender and project validation estimates. You will lead estimators and QS to ensure accurate, competitive costs aligned with Webuild Group standards.

Based in Australia, you will drive bid strategy, methodologies and commercial outcomes for Energy & Resources and Vertical Construction projects, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10–15+ years’ experience in Energy & Resources.
• Senior/Lead estimator experience on EPC or construction projects.
• Strong capability in Civil and SMP estimating.

Responsibilities

• Lead and represent the estimating function for tenders and project cost validation.
• Develop and own direct and indirect estimates aligned to standards.
• Ensure estimates use CCS Candy and are structured to Area Breakdown Structure.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Cost estimation

Excel

Tender submissions

Risk analysis

Mentoring

Team coordination

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CCS Candy

Microsoft Office

Job description

As Lead Estimator, you will fully represent the estimating function across all tender and project validation estimates within Clough and the Webuild Group. Reporting to the Bid Services Director, you will lead a team of estimators and quantity surveyors, ensuring estimates are accurate, competitive and aligned with industry benchmarks, productivity norms and Webuild Group standards.

Working as part of a centralised national estimating team across WA, QLD and NSW, you will play a key role in shaping bid strategy, construction methodology and commercial outcomes for major Energy & Resources and Vertical Construction projects. You will take ownership of the estimate from early development through to management and corporate approvals, providing confidence in cost, risk and execution approach.

This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise and commercial judgement, as well as the ability to collaborate closely with tender managers, project services leaders, subcontractors and senior stakeholders. Travel may be required during bid study periods where tenders are prepared outside your home location.

Who you are:

You are a seasoned estimator with the experience and confidence to lead teams, challenge assumptions, and stand behind the numbers. You thrive in high‑pressure tender environments and bring deep industry insight to cost, productivity and risk discussions.

Your focus will include:

• Leading and representing the estimating function for tenders and project cost validation
• Developing and owning direct and indirect cost estimates aligned to Webuild Group standards
• Ensuring estimates are prepared using CCS Candy and structured to Webuild’s Area Breakdown Structure
• Providing confidence to management through validated benchmarks, industry norms and productivity factors
• Coordinating construction methodologies, preliminary schedules and execution strategies
• Preparing unit rates, daywork rates, qualifications and clarifications for tender submissions
• Monitoring estimating progress and providing weekly status and cost reports
• Presenting estimate outcomes at key management, corporate and approval reviews
• Supporting risk reviews and cost analysis to ensure robust, well‑qualified estimates
• Collaborating with tender managers, project services leaders, subcontractors and key suppliers
• Leading, coaching and developing estimators and quantity surveyors within the team
• Supporting negotiations with major vendors and subcontractors during tender preparation
• Ensuring estimating outputs are fully linked to schedules and cost systems
• Driving continuous improvement in estimating processes, systems and benchmarking

This is a national role, and you may be required to travel during bid study periods where tenders are prepared outside your home location.

What you will bring to the team:

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or a related discipline
• 10–15+ years’ experience in the Energy & Resources industry
• Significant experience as a Senior or Lead Estimator on EPC or construction projects
• Strong capability in Civil and SMP estimating across Energy & Resources projects
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to mentor and develop estimating teams
• High proficiency in CCS Candy estimating software and advanced Microsoft applications
• Demonstrated ability to develop top‑down estimates aligned to industry norms and productivity factors
• Strong understanding of Australian standards, EBA agreements and contracting principles
• Clear understanding of direct versus indirect cost developmentStrong commercial acumen and risk‑based cost assessment capability

We’ve created an environment that brings out the best in our people. Clough employees enjoy industry‑leading benefits, including:

• Exposure to major Energy & Resources projects across Australia
• Career development and leadership growth opportunities
• National project experience within a global organisation
• Employee assistance program for you and your family
• Mental health and wellbeing initiatives
• Access to corporate discounts on health insurance, banking, travel, groceries and more
• A supportive and collaborative team culture

We’re building a diverse workforce

At Clough, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities in which we work and live. We foster an inclusive environment that values differences, embraces individual strengths and provides opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential.

We are a certified Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by WGEA, a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women, a signatory of the Veterans’ Employment Commitment, a partner of Pride in Diversity, and guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan to deliver meaningful employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.