Estimator

Rob Law Max Recruitment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term opportunity

Diverse projects

Collaborative team

Career progression

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

Rob Law Max Recruitment seeks an experienced Senior Estimator / Quantity Surveyor to join its Wellington team. You will lead cost estimates, tender submissions and pricing strategies across diverse projects from planning to delivery.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in NZ estimating or QS, with strong reading of drawings, subcontractor pricing and commercial awareness. NZ work rights are essential, with a pathway to career progression.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience estimating, QS or commercial management in NZ construction.
• Pricing for commercial building projects for main/ design-build contractors.
• Strong understanding of NZ construction methods and procurement.
• Ability to interpret drawings and construction documents.
• Experience negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets and tender submissions.
• Review plans, specs and contract documents.
• Complete quantity take-offs and cost planning.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier pricing enquiries.
• Analyse quotations for commercial and technical compliance.
• Support negotiated, ECI and traditional tenders.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and efficiencies.
• Produce tender analyses, cost reports and recommendations.
• Maintain relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Cost planning

Subcontractor pricing

Stakeholder communication

Education

Quantity Surveying

Tools

CostX

Procore

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026.

A leading commercial construction contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Quantity Surveyor to join its Wellington team.

With a strong forward workload and a diverse portfolio of projects across the commercial, education, healthcare, government and multi-storey construction sectors, this role offers the opportunity to work on projects from early planning and procurement through to construction delivery.

This position will suit an experienced construction professional who enjoys the challenge of winning work, developing pricing strategies, building strong subcontractor relationships and contributing to successful project outcomes.

The Opportunity

Working alongside an experienced pre-construction and project delivery team, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing detailed cost estimates, budgets and tender submissions.
• Reviewing plans, specifications and contract documentation.
• Completing quantity take-offs and cost planning exercises.
• Managing subcontractor and supplier pricing enquiries.
• Analysing quotations and assessing commercial and technical compliance.
• Supporting negotiated, ECI and traditional tender opportunities.
• Identifying value engineering opportunities and construction efficiencies.
• Assisting with procurement strategies and subcontractor engagement.
• Producing tender analyses, cost reports and commercial recommendations.
• Maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Providing commercial support to project teams during project delivery when required.

About You

You will likely have:

• A minimum of 5+ years' experience in estimating, quantity surveying or commercial management within the New Zealand construction industry.
• Experience pricing commercial building projects for a main contractor, design-and-build contractor or specialist construction business.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand construction methods, procurement processes and subcontractor markets.
• Excellent knowledge of reading and interpreting drawings, specifications and construction documentation.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Experience negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers.
• The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience using CostX, Procore, or similar estimating software would be advantageous.

What's On Offer

• Secure long-term opportunity with an established commercial contractor.
• Exposure to a broad range of commercial construction projects.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Competitive remuneration package based on experience.
• A chance to play a key role in both project acquisition and successful project delivery.

Applicants must have New Zealand commercial construction experience and current New Zealand working rights. Local market knowledge, understanding of subcontractor pricing, and familiarity with New Zealand construction practices are essential for success in this role.