Lead First‑Principles Estimator – Major Projects

Northpower; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle for private use

KiwiSaver contributions

Life insurance

Health initiatives

Fitness Passport

Discounted fuel

Retail discounts

Career development

EAP and peer support

Job summary

Northpower is seeking an experienced Estimator to own major project estimates from opportunity through tender submission, collaborating with estimating, engineering, operations and leadership to develop competitive, buildable pricing.

You will apply first‑principles estimating across major construction, EPC and O&M, review drawings and commercial terms, and lead pricing models, cost plans and bid evaluations. Strong Excel and stakeholder skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in estimating across construction, infrastructure, energy or major projects.
• First‑principles estimating experience across major construction, EPC, O&M or similar contract environments.
• Good knowledge of NZS contract forms, including NZS 3910, with exposure to FIDIC, NEC and other major forms of contract.
• Experience leading complex estimates or bids and coordinating inputs across multiple disciplines.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of how risk, programme, methodology and procurement choices affect project outcomes.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence using estimating and pricing systems.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to bring people together around a common outcome.
• A relevant degree, National Diploma or equivalent experience in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
• Candy experience will be highly regarded, along with experience across energy, transmission, utilities or major infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of estimates from initial opportunity through to tender submission, working closely with operational, engineering, commercial, procurement and leadership teams.
• This includes developing first‑principles estimates across major construction, EPC and O&M opportunities; reviewing drawings, specifications, scopes, programmes and commercial conditions; developing pricing models, cost plans, cash flows and construction methodologies; and leading quantity take‑offs, subcontractor and supplier enquiries, quote analysis and bid evaluations.
• Identify risks, opportunities, assumptions and exclusions early and ensure they are clearly reflected in the final price.
• Contribute to bid strategy, reviews and governance processes, engage with clients and suppliers, and work alongside delivery teams to ensure what we price is genuinely buildable.
• For larger opportunities, there is also the opportunity to step into a Bid Lead role, prepare tender evaluations for senior leadership and the Board, and help shape estimating processes, cost intelligence and capability across the wider business.
• You may also be asked to support project teams by assessing progress claims using earned value, site productivity and performance measures.

Skills

Estimating

Bid leadership

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Collaborative teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree in Construction/Engineering/Quantity Surveying

Tools

Excel

Pricing systems

Estimating software

Job description

Northpower is seeking an experienced Estimator to own major project estimates from opportunity through tender submission, collaborating with estimating, engineering, operations and leadership to develop competitive, buildable pricing.

You will apply first‑principles estimating across major construction, EPC and O&M, review drawings and commercial terms, and lead pricing models, cost plans and bid evaluations. Strong Excel and stakeholder skills are essential.