Estimator

Downer; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 81,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Free Marram health care benefits and 


Job summary

Downer is seeking a highly capable Estimator with NZ civil construction experience, embracing flexibility to work from any depots across the Southern region. You will deliver accurate, competitive tender submissions, supporting project teams through the full delivery lifecycle.

This pivotal role requires technical understanding, commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement to identify opportunities, develop pricing strategies, and ensure estimates align with client expectations and company

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience within the New Zealand civil construction, roading, infrastructure, or earthworks sectors.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand civil construction practices, pricing structures, suppliers, and subcontractor networks.
• Previous experience preparing tenders for civil infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of tendering processes, pricing strategies, and commercial frameworks.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contract documentation.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in cost estimation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and perform well under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess local market opportunities to support regional growth.
• Monitor forward workload and resource capacity to inform tender decisions.
• Apply consistent estimating methodologies and reporting standards across all tenders.
• Conduct site visits to assess project conditions, methodology, and resource requirements.
• Ensure all tender submissions are completed, compliant, and submitted within deadlines.
• Maintain comprehensive tender documentation and records.
• Ensure Health, Safety, Quality, and environmental considerations are embedded in all submissions.
• Develop accurate cost estimates for civil construction and infrastructure projects.
• Liaise with operational teams, suppliers, and subcontractors to obtain pricing and delivery solutions.

Skills

Estimating experience

NZ civil construction

Tendering

Pricing structures

Subcontractor networks

Technical drawings

Cost estimation

Analytical skills

Deadlines under pressure

Job description

Join Downer as an Estimator and play a key role in delivering high-quality, competitive tenders across the Southern region.

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• Discounts for Samsung, Repco, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!
• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
• Progression and development programs on offer including our inspiring leader's programme for top performers

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly capable and detail-driven Estimator with proven New Zealand civil construction industry experience to join our team. This role offers location flexibility and may be based in any of our depots across the Southern region, including the lower North Island and South Island.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering accurate, competitive, and high-quality tender submissions while supporting project teams across the full lifecycle of delivery.

This is a pivotal position within the business, requiring a strong balance of technical understanding, commercial acumen, and stakeholder engagement. You will contribute to identifying new opportunities, developing pricing strategies, and ensuring all estimates align with both client expectations and company standards.

Working across civil infrastructure projects, you will utilise your knowledge of New Zealand construction methodologies, market conditions, suppliers, subcontractors, and pricing structures to develop robust and competitive tenders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and assess local market opportunities to support regional growth
• Monitor forward workload and resource capacity to inform tender decisions
• Apply consistent estimating methodologies and reporting standards across all tenders
• Conduct site visits to assess project conditions, methodology, and resource requirements
• Ensure all tender submissions are completed, compliant, and submitted within deadlines
• Maintain comprehensive tender documentation and records
• Ensure Health, Safety, Quality, and environmental considerations are embedded in all submissions
• Develop accurate cost estimates for civil construction and infrastructure projects
• Liaise with operational teams, suppliers, and subcontractors to obtain pricing and delivery solutions

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

If you are a commercially minded Estimator who enjoys turning complex project requirements into accurate, high-quality submissions, and you bring the following skills and experience, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll also bring:

• Proven estimating experience within the New Zealand civil construction, roading, infrastructure, or earthworks sectors
• A strong understanding of New Zealand civil construction practices, pricing structures, suppliers, and subcontractor networks
• Previous experience preparing tenders for civil infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of tendering processes, pricing strategies, and commercial frameworks
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contract documentation
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in cost estimation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and perform well under pressure

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!