Lead Estimator

UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE NZ; Rolleston; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE NZ in Rolleston is seeking a Lead Estimator for end-to-end pricing of civil and three waters projects. You will review drawings, prepare detailed estimates, take-offs, and tender submissions while coordinating with project managers, engineers, and suppliers.

You will mentor junior estimators, manage bid schedules, and identify value engineering opportunities to ensure competitive, accurate pricing while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in civil construction estimating for water, wastewater, stormwater, and trenchless works.
• Ability to interpret drawings and specs, assess risks, and identify VE options.
• Experience mentoring estimators and coordinating with PMs and suppliers.
• Commitment to health, safety and environmental practices.
• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end estimating for civil and three waters projects.
• Prepare cost estimates, takeoffs, and tender submissions.
• Review drawings and specifications to identify risks and VE opportunities.
• Lead bid preparation schedules and maintain cost databases.
• Mentor junior estimators and drive process improvements.

Skills

Estimating experience

Stakeholder communication

Mentoring team

Project controls

Education

Engineering/Quantity surveying qualification

Tools

Estimating software

Spreadsheets

Digital tender tools

Job description

Company Description UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE NZ, established in 2013, is a specialist civil construction provider to the three waters industry, delivering innovative solutions through a highly skilled team and dedicated plant and equipment. The company offers end-to-end services across pipeline infrastructure for water, wastewater, stormwater, power, and oil and gas. It also specializes in trenchless infrastructure methods such as directional drilling, pipe jacking, and pipe bursting, as well as hydro excavation and PE welding. With a one-stop-shop approach, UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE NZ supports clients across a wide range of projects, emphasizing quality, safety, and practical problem-solving.

Role Description The Lead Estimator is a full-time on-site role based in Rolleston, responsible for managing and owning the end-to-end estimating process for civil and three waters projects. In this role, the Lead Estimator prepares detailed cost estimates, take-offs, and tender submissions for pipeline and trenchless infrastructure works, coordinating closely with project managers, engineers, and operational teams. The role involves reviewing drawings and specifications, assessing risks, and identifying value engineering opportunities to ensure competitive and accurate pricing. The Lead Estimator leads bid preparation schedules, maintains estimating tools and cost databases, and supports negotiation and clarification with clients and suppliers. Day-to-day responsibilities also include mentoring junior estimators, contributing to continuous improvement of estimating practices, and aligning estimates with safety, quality, and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in civil construction or utilities infrastructure estimating, particularly within water, wastewater, stormwater, and trenchless works.
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and digital tools for quantity take-offs, cost build-ups, and tender documentation.
• Solid understanding of construction methodologies, materials, plant and equipment, and subcontractor services relevant to pipeline and three waters projects.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents, and to identify project risks, contingencies, and value engineering options.
• Demonstrated skills in stakeholder communication, negotiation, and collaboration with internal teams, clients, and suppliers.
• Experience leading or mentoring estimating or project teams, with strong organizational and time-management capabilities.
• Relevant qualification in engineering, quantity surveying, construction management, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices, along with high attention to detail and accuracy.