Tunnelling Senior Estimator

CPB Contractors Pty; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Career development opportunities

Safety-focused culture

Job summary

CPB Contractors Pty is seeking a Tunnelling Senior Estimator to lead cost estimating for major tunnelling and underground infrastructure opportunities in Australia, including transport and defence projects. You will work with engineering, procurement and planning teams to build competitive bids and establish sound commercial bases.

Based in Sydney, you will develop first-principles estimates, price strategies, and risk allowances while mentoring junior staff and contributing to bid governance.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience within tunnelling and underground construction.
• Experience with first-principles estimates and bid submissions.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and commercial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed cost estimates for tunnelling and underground works.
• Develop estimating methodologies and pricing strategies.
• Coordinate inputs from engineering, planning, procurement and commercial teams.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to capability development.
• Support value engineering initiatives and bid governance processes.

Skills

Estimating

Tunnelling

Geotech awareness

Bid submissions

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Tunnelling Senior Estimator

Join one of Australia’s leading constructors delivering some of the nation’s most complex tunnelling and major infrastructure projects.

We are seeking an experienced Tunnelling Senior Estimator to play a key role in the development of competitive and commercially sound bids for major transport, rail, defence, and underground infrastructure projects. Working within a high-performing estimating team, you will lead the preparation of detailed estimates, collaborate with technical specialists, and help secure landmark projects across Australia.

About the Role

As a Tunnelling Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for the preparation and coordination of accurate cost estimates for major tunnelling and underground construction opportunities. You will work closely with engineering, construction, commercial, procurement, and planning teams to develop winning tender strategies and deliver high-quality submissions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for tunnelling, underground works, shafts, and associated civil infrastructure.
• Develop estimating methodologies, construction assumptions, productivity rates, and pricing strategies.
• Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications, and geotechnical information to identify key risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate inputs from engineering, planning, construction, procurement, and commercial teams.
• Prepare first-principles estimates and cost build-ups for complex infrastructure projects.
• Assess commercial, technical, and geotechnical risks and develop appropriate pricing allowances and mitigation strategies.
• Engage with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing and market intelligence.
• Participate in estimate reviews, bid governance processes, tender presentations, and client discussions.
• Support value engineering initiatives and identify opportunities to improve project outcomes and competitiveness.
• Mentor and support junior estimators, contributing to capability development across the estimating function.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven estimating experience within tunnelling, underground construction, heavy civil, rail, or major infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, project delivery models, and tendering processes.
• Experience developing first-principles estimates and managing complex bid submissions.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and construction programs.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical capability.
• Relevant qualifications in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.

Why Join Us?

• Work on major infrastructure and tunnelling projects that shape Australia's future.
• Join a collaborative and highly experienced estimating team.
• Competitive remuneration and career development opportunities.
• Exposure to complex and technically challenging projects.
• Be part of an organisation committed to safety, innovation, inclusion, and excellence.

If you are looking to contribute to some of Australia's most significant tunnelling and underground infrastructure projects, we would love to hear from you.