Electrical Estimator

Qjumpers; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidised health insurance

Ongoing training and development

Diverse nationwide projects

Collaborative culture with strong team

Job summary

McKay is seeking an experienced Electrical Estimator to lead the estimating function across Bay of Plenty projects. You will collaborate with regional managers, engineers and clients to produce accurate, competitive estimates and strengthen the bid pipeline.

You will mentor a team of estimators, refine estimating tools and ensure compliance with NZ electrical standards while pursuing opportunities and delivering high-quality results on time.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Electrical Estimator, or significant estimator experience on medium to large projects.
• Tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of electrical construction methods, systems and design principles.
• NZ Practising Licence is advantageous.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs, contracts and tender docs.
• Solid understanding of NZ electrical standards, regs and safe design requirements.
• Strong commercial acumen to identify project risks.
• Experience pricing across infra, industrial, commercial, construction, renewables or marine.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate, competitive electrical estimates across multiple sectors.
• Review drawings, specs, contracts and tender docs to understand scope and risk.
• Build relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors during tendering.
• Mentor estimators and promote best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement of estimating tools, databases, and processes.
• Ensure estimates comply with NZ standards and safe design principles.

Skills

Electrical Estimation

Drawing interpretation

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership/mentoring

Business development mindset

Tendering

Microsoft Excel

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Construction Management degree

Related discipline / equivalent experience

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

McKay is seeking an experienced Electrical Estimator to lead the estimating function. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced estimator who enjoys building relationships, leading from the front, and helping secure a strong pipeline of quality work across the Bay of Plenty.

Working closely with Regional Managers, Project Managers, Engineers and our clients in the Bay of Plenty, you will play a key role in identifying opportunities and delivering accurate, commercially competitive estimates.

Beyond preparing estimates you will contribute to the continuous improvement of our estimating processes and systems. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, influencing business outcomes, and helping shape the continued success of both our clients and McKay.

What you'll be doing:

As an Electrical Estimator, you will:

• Lead the preparation of accurate, competitive and commercially sound electrical estimates for projects across a range of sectors.
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts and tender documentation to fully understand project scope, technical requirements and commercial risks.
• Bring a business development mindset, and the willingness to find opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers and clients to clarify scope, resolve technical queries and ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates covering labour, materials, plant, subcontractors, equipment and project overheads.
• Monitor market trends, labour availability, supplier pricing and procurement risks to ensure estimates remain current and competitive.
• Contribute to bid/no-bid decisions, ensuring submissions align with McKay's strategic objectives.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to estimators and operational teams, promoting consistency and best practice across the business.
• Drive continuous improvement of estimating tools, cost databases, templates and estimating processes.
• Ensure all estimates comply with relevant New Zealand electrical standards, codes, regulations and safe design principles.

Skills and Experience:

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Proven experience as an Electrical Estimator, or significant experience as an Electrical Estimator working on medium to large-scale electrical projects.
• A tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of electrical construction methods, electrical systems and design principles.
• A previous NZ Practicing Licence and or experience on the tools would be advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret drawings, specifications, contracts and tender documentation.
• Sound understanding of New Zealand electrical standards, regulations and safe design requirements.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify project risks.
• Experience pricing projects across sectors such as Infrastructure, Industrial, Commercial, Construction, Renewables or Marine.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and estimating software.
• The ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously while consistently delivering high-quality work within deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisational skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring others and continuously improving estimating practices.

McKay is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest privately owned electrotechnology provider, delivering innovative electrical engineering and construction services nationwide. Built on a 90-year legacy of powering progress since 1936, our business spans 11 branches across New Zealand, with a growing presence in the South Pacific and the United States. Across sectors including marine, renewables, industrial, infrastructure and construction, we deliver meaningful projects that communities rely on and help shape the future of the regions we serve.

Your career keeps moving at McKay, with opportunities to develop new skills, explore different pathways, and grow in the direction that's right for you.

Other Benefits:

• Subsidised health insurance.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities to work on diverse and technically challenging projects nationwide.
• A collaborative, inclusive culture with a strong sense of community.
• The opportunity to influence the future of McKay's estimating function and contribute to the continued success of our business.

Join a legacy of electrotechnology excellence and power what comes next.