Estimator

OuterSpace Landscapes; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent role

45 hours/week

Christchurch office

Autonomy

Career growth

Supportive team environment

Job summary

OuterSpace Landscapes in Christchurch is seeking an experienced estimator/quantity surveyor to own the estimating function across tendering and project delivery within our commercial landscaping projects.

You will review tender documents, prepare detailed estimates, manage variations, cost reporting and procurement, collaborating with project managers and site teams to keep projects on budget and on time.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ estimating experience within the New Zealand construction industry.
• Ability to interpret plans, specs and tender docs.
• Experience preparing tenders and detailed project estimates.
• Understanding of project costs, margins and commercial risk.
• Experience with Procore, Bluebeam and Xero is advantageous.
• Strong organisation and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong estimating and commercial construction experience, not just landscaping.

Responsibilities

• Review tender docs, drawings and specs.
• Prepare detailed estimates for tender submissions.
• Quantity take-offs and pricing.
• Obtain and assess supplier/subcontractor quotations.
• Identify project risks and cost issues.
• Procurement and subcontractor engagement.
• Prepare and manage variations.
• Progress claims and payment schedules.
• Cost reporting and project forecasting.
• Contract administration.
• Support project managers with commercial information.
• Monitor project performance against budget.
• Assist with final accounts and close-out.
• Collaborate with Projects Team and site staff.

Skills

Estimating expertise

Plan interpretation

Commercial awareness

Project collaboration

Time management

Education

Relevant qualifications in construction or related field

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Xero

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Are you an experienced construction estimator who enjoys taking ownership of your work rather than waiting to be told what to do next?

We’re looking for an Estimator / Quantity Surveyor to join our Christchurch Projects Team. Estimating will be at the heart of this role, so we’re looking for someone who is commercially sharp, organised and confident working autonomously across both the tendering and project delivery process.

We operate in the commercial landscaping sector, delivering a diverse range of projects covering commercial developments, subdivisions, schools, retirement villages, public spaces, streetscapes and large-scale landscape projects.

This is a varied role where you’ll have the opportunity to be involved from initial tender through to project completion.

The Role

Your key focus will be preparing accurate, competitive estimates, alongside supporting the commercial management of projects once they are underway.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing tender documentation, drawings and specifications
• Preparing detailed estimates for tender submissions
• Quantity take-offs and pricing
• Obtaining and assessing supplier and subcontractor quotationsIdentifying project risks, opportunities and potential cost issues
• Procurement and subcontractor engagement
• Preparing and managing variations
• Progress claims and payment schedules
• Cost reporting and project forecasting
• Contract administration
• Supporting project managers with commercial and cost information
• Monitoring project performance against budget
• Assisting with final accounts and project close-out
• Working closely with our Projects Team and site staff throughout project delivery

About You

We’re open to a range of backgrounds, but strong practical estimating experience within the New Zealand construction industry will be highly valued alongside any relevant qualifications..

Ideally, you will have:

• 3+ years’ estimating experience within the New Zealand construction industry
• Strong construction knowledge and the ability to confidently interpret plans, specifications and tender documentation
• Experience preparing tenders and detailed project estimatesA sound understanding of project costs, margins and commercial risk
• Experience with Procore, Bluebeam and Xero would be advantageous
• Knowledge of NZ construction contracts, including NZS 3910/3915, would be useful but isn’t essential
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• A practical, solutions-focused approach
• The confidence to work with project managers, suppliers, subcontractors and site teams
• The ability to manage your own workload, prioritise effectively and work without constant supervision
• Experience specifically within landscaping isn’t essential. Strong estimating and commercial construction experience is.

Why Join Us?

We’re a growing business with a strong pipeline of commercial landscape work and plenty happening across the wider company.

This role offers something a little different from sitting on one large construction project for years at a time. You’ll work across a broad range of projects, clients and project types, giving you plenty of variety and the opportunity to see the work you price move through into construction.

You’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Take genuine ownership of the estimating function
• Work across both pre-construction and live project delivery
• Be involved in a wide variety of commercial projects
• Help improve and influence estimating and commercial systems and processes
• Work closely with project managers and site teams rather than operating in isolation
• Grow with an expanding business
• Develop your role as the company continues to grow
• Join a practical, down-to-earth team with a strong focus on getting good projects delivered well

We have a stable pipeline of work and are looking for someone who wants to become an important part of the Projects Team rather than simply fill a position.

What We Offer

• Permanent, full-time position
• 45 hours per week
• Christchurch-based office role
• Genuine autonomy and responsibility
• A stable and growing workload
• Opportunity to influence systems and the way the role develops
• Career progression as the business grows
• A supportive, practical team environment

Remuneration based on the experience and capability of the successful applicant

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

If you’re an experienced estimator looking for a role where you can take ownership of your work, be closely involved with the projects you price and grow alongside an established commercial landscaping business, we’d love to hear from you.