Senior Lead Estimator - Mining & Copper Processing

KBR; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Lead Estimator in Adelaide, Australia, to own and drive estimating for a major resources and mining program. You will collaborate with delivery teams, clients, and partners to ensure cost transparency and strategic alignment across the project lifecycle.

The role requires extensive lead-level estimating experience in mining or minerals processing, strong stakeholder influence, and proficiency with estimating software. Australian work rights are required.

Qualifications

• Senior estimating experience on large resources/mining projects.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary estimating teams and mentor junior estimators.
• Strong understanding of cost risk, opportunity, and value-for-money principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function across copper, minerals, mine infrastructure, and process plant scopes.
• Oversee first-principles reviews of contractor cost estimates and validate methodologies.
• Provide recommendations on contractor awards, cost adjustments, and basis of estimates.
• Engage with clients, delivery teams and partners to ensure cost transparency.
• Manage estimating workflows, resources, and approvals across project phases.
• Develop and review cost estimates across AACEI classes (Class 5 to Class 2).
• Interpret technical specs to assess cost implications and drive tender handovers.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

First-principles cost estimation

Stakeholder management

Cost forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Quantity Surveying/Construction Management

Tools

Estimating software

Cost control tools

Job description

KBR is seeking a Lead Estimator in Adelaide, Australia, to own and drive estimating for a major resources and mining program. You will collaborate with delivery teams, clients, and partners to ensure cost transparency and strategic alignment across the project lifecycle.

The role requires extensive lead-level estimating experience in mining or minerals processing, strong stakeholder influence, and proficiency with estimating software. Australian work rights are required.