Tunnelling Senior Estimator

CPB Contractors Pty; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

CPB Contractors Pty is seeking a Tunnelling Senior Estimator in Sydney to lead detailed cost estimates for major tunnelling and underground projects. You will coordinate with engineering, planning and commercial teams to develop competitive submissions and bid strategies, while mentoring junior estimators and driving value through first-principles costing.

The role requires strong experience in tunnelling, underground construction, and major infrastructure bids, with a solid understanding of

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience within tunnelling and major infrastructure.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and geotechnical reports.
• Experience developing first-principles estimates and managing bid submissions.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed cost estimates for tunnelling, underground works and shafts.
• Develop estimating methodologies, assumptions and pricing strategies.
• Review tender docs and geotechnical data to identify risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate inputs from multiple teams and submit competitive bids.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to capability development.

Skills

Tunnelling experience

Estimating expertise

First-principles estimating

Tender submissions

Geotech reports

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Education

Engineering degree

Construction management degree

Quantity surveying 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.