Senior Estimator: Lead Bids & Costing for Large Projects

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

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.