Senior Estimator

McMahon Services; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Career growth opportunities

Safety culture & wellbeing programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

McMahon Services in Adelaide is seeking a Senior Estimator to join the Building & Construction team at head office in Dry Creek. You will lead the estimation function for major commercial and industrial projects, ensuring accurate cost planning, tender preparation, and compliant bid submissions.

You will manage the estimation team, develop first principles estimates, and build strong relationships with clients and subcontractors while applying CostX and MS Office to deliver profitable bids.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in large construction project estimation and on construction sites.
• Expert in estimation systems (e.g., CostX) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Leadership & Mentoring: demonstrated ability to lead and develop estimation teams effectively.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: strong ability to analyse cost trends, identify discrepancies, and exercise mature judgment.
• Communication & Relationships: excellent verbal and written communication, with a proven ability to build positive client and stakeholder relationships.
• Adaptability & Compliance: capacity to manage high-stress situations, multi-task, and understand Australian Standards/HSE legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead Estimation & Tender Preparation: Review RFX, plan tenders, prepare take-offs, and develop first principles estimates for large projects.
• Manage Subcontractors & Suppliers: Prepare RFQs, analyse responses, and build strong relationships.
• Innovate & Improve: Collaborate on competitive strategies, analyse past projects, and propose process improvements.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Supervise and guide the estimation team, fostering their development.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish effective relationships with clients and internal stakeholders to ensure successful bids.
• Ensure Compliance: Integrate safety and quality standards into all estimation work.

Skills

Estimating & Tendering

CostX proficiency

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Quantity Surveying Degree

Tools

CostX

Excel

MS Office

Job description

Are you an experienced and strategic Senior Estimator looking to make a significant impact with a leading Australian construction company? McMahon Services, a privately-owned leader in construction, industrial, and environmental services, is seeking a talented Senior Estimator to join our Building & Construction team based at our Head Office in Dry Creek, Adelaide.

About McMahon Services

At McMahon Services, we are committed to delivering excellence across Australia. We value our people, foster a family-oriented culture, and provide opportunities for long-term employment and professional growth. Join us and contribute to diverse building and construction projects that are vital to the infrastructure of our regions.

About The Role

As a Senior Estimator reporting to the Business Manager, you will play a pivotal role in supervising the estimation team while accurately estimating the cost, time, materials, labour, and equipment required for major construction projects. This role involves meticulous cost preparation and analysis, aligning with project durations, consultant data, and subcontractor information, all while ensuring the timely completion of estimation work. You will be instrumental in delivering successful bids for challenging and diverse commercial and industrial building, fit-out, and maintenance projects ranging from $1 million to $50 million.

What You Will Do

• Lead Estimation & Tender Preparation: Review RFX, plan tenders, prepare take-offs, and develop first principles estimates for large projects.
• Manage Subcontractors & Suppliers: Prepare RFQs, analyse responses, and build strong relationships.
• Innovate & Improve: Collaborate on competitive strategies, analyse past projects, and propose process improvements.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Supervise and guide the estimation team, fostering their development.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish effective relationships with clients and internal stakeholders to ensure successful bids.
• Ensure Compliance: Integrate safety and quality standards into all estimation work.

What You Will Bring

• Proven Experience: Minimum 5 years in large construction project estimation and on construction sites.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert in estimation systems (e.g., CostX) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop estimation teams effectively.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong ability to analyse cost trends, identify discrepancies, and exercise mature judgment.
• Communication & Relationships: Excellent verbal and written communication, with a proven ability to build positive client and stakeholder relationships.
• Adaptability & Compliance: Capacity to manage high-stress situations, multi-task, and understand Australian Standards/HSE legislation.

What Will Set You Apart

• Quantity Surveying Degree: Formal degree in Quantity Surveying or a related field.
• Defence Industry Experience: Previous estimation experience on defence projects.
• Established SA Network: Strong existing network of South Australian suppliers and subcontractors.
• Innovation & Problem Solving: A demonstrated ability to think outside the box and turn challenges into opportunities.

Why Join McMahon Services?

We offer a supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment where your skills are valued, and your contributions are recognised.

You Will Enjoy

• Competitive salary, benefits, and career growth opportunities.
• Company vehicle.
• Employee discounts, recognition, and financial wellness programs.
• Strong commitment to safety and well-being.
• A culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

At McMahon Services Australia, we embrace diversity and inclusion as fundamental values. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the communities we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experience.