Estimator

Higgins; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

KiwiSaver employer contribution

In-house technical training

Career opportunities across Higgins

Retail benefits for you and yourFamily

Job summary

Higgins in Hamilton is seeking an experienced Estimator to join the team. You’ll prepare bids and tenders for civil construction projects in the Waikato region, including pricing for labour, plant, materials and subcontractors.

With 2+ years of estimating experience, you’ll review tender docs, manage multiple tenders and engage with clients on bids. Relocation support, KiwiSaver, and in-house training are offered as part of the role.

Qualifications

• 2+ years estimating experience within civil construction.
• Experience with civil construction and roading tenders and projects.
• Hands-on tender and bid preparation, including pricing and supporting documentation.
• Familiarity with estimating software such as CCS Candy, Benchmark and MS Project.
• Knowledge of NZS 3910 and standard construction contracts.
• Commercially aware with strong pricing and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Preparing accurate tenders, estimates, budgets and pricing plans within required timeframes.
• Review tender documentation to understand project scope, risks and commercial requirements.
• Completing take-offs and pricing for labour, plant, materials and subcontractors.
• Obtaining and negotiating supplier and subcontractor pricing while reviewing assumptions.
• Maintaining tender records, pricing data and estimating documentation.
• Supporting handover of successful tenders to operational teams for delivery.

Skills

Estimating

Tender preparation

Pricing

Client engagement

Multi-tender management

Organisational skills

NZS 3910 knowledge

Commercial awareness

Education

Engineering/Construction management/Quantity surveying background

Tools

CCS Candy

Benchmark

Microsoft Project

Job description

Description

We’re looking for an experienced Estimator to join the Higgins team in Hamilton. You'll play a key role in preparing bids and tenders across the Waikato region, working on civil construction projects valued up to $20 million.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Preparing accurate tenders, estimates, budgets and pricing plans within required timeframes
• Reviewing tender documentation to understand project scope, risks and commercial requirements
• Completing take-offs and pricing for labour, plant, materials and subcontractors
• Obtaining and negotiating supplier and subcontractor pricing while reviewing assumptions and exclusions
• Maintaining tender records, pricing data and estimating documentation
• Supporting the handover of successful tenders to operational teams for delivery

What You'll Bring To The Role

• At least 2 years' estimating experience within civil construction
• Experience working on civil construction and roading tenders and projects
• Hands-on involvement in tender and bid preparation, including pricing and supporting documentation
• Experience using estimating software such as CCS Candy, Benchmark and Microsoft Project, or similar systems
• A practical, commercially aware approach to pricing and problem-solving
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously
• A qualification in engineering, construction management, quantity surveying or a related discipline is preferred but not essential
• Confidence engaging with clients to discuss bids and respond to tender queries
• Working knowledge of NZS 3910 and standard construction contracts

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary package, with relocation support available
• KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
• In-house technical training and leadership development programmes
• Career opportunities across Higgins and Fletcher Construction
• A range of retail benefits for you and your family to enjoy

About Higgins

Higgins is a leading construction and infrastructure company, proudly building and maintaining roads, bridges, and civil projects that connect communities across New Zealand. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and sustainability, we deliver projects that make a real difference. At Higgins, you’ll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and career growth - because we believe our people are the foundation of our success.

We're with you on the road ahead - Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

Diversity & Inclusion

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.