Quantity Surveyor/ Estimator

Phoenix Steel; Timaru; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Steel is seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor/Estimator to join our Timaru, Canterbury team on a full-time basis. You will be responsible for preparing comprehensive estimates, analysing drawings, and ensuring profitability across steel fabrication projects.

You will analyse drawings and specifications, prepare detailed estimates, and work with operations to understand site conditions and buildability, while ensuring accuracy and competitiveness in line with our profitability

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in quantity surveying, construction management or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience in construction estimating.
• Minimum of 3-5 years' professional experience in quantity surveying or construction estimating, ideally within the steel fabrication, structural steel or vertical ( Buildings) heavy construction sectors
• Proficiency in standard estimating software and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to quickly master new tools and systems
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in calculations
• In-depth knowledge of construction methodologies, material costs, labour rates and industry standard practices
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders
• Ability to work independently whilst managing multiple estimates concurrently and meeting tight deadlines
• A candidate that is a New Zealand Resident would be preferred. People requiring a Work Visa would only be considered if they can show and prove through references that they have considerable experience in Structural Steel. Extensive experience with PowerFab or it previous version Fabsuite in Estimating would be considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Preparing comprehensive cost estimates and bills of quantities for construction and steel fabrication projects of varying complexity
• Analysing architectural and engineering drawings, specifications and contract documents to identify project scope and material requirements
• Utilising estimating software and tools to produce detailed breakdowns of labour, materials, plant and overhead costs
• Reviewing and validating estimates to ensure accuracy, competitiveness and alignment with company profitability targets
• Collaborating with the operations team to understand site conditions, logistics and buildability factors that impact costs
• Undertaking site visits and inspections where necessary to clarify project requirements and constraints

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.

Phoenix Steel is seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor/ Estimator to join our team on a full-time basis in Timaru, Canterbury. This is a strategic position that sits at the heart of our estimating playing a crucial role in ensuring accurate cost forecasting, competitive bidding, and successful project delivery. You will be responsible for analysing construction drawings, specifications and project requirements to produce detailed estimates that inform our commercial strategy and project profitability.

We are a growing company with a great opportunity for the right person to be part of a smaller dynamic team and really have the benefit of recognition of the work they do to help the company be successful. You will be working directly alongside one of the owners who will actively help understand the nuances of our industry while also empowering you to move into the place of handling this area of the business right up till final sign off. Prior experience in vertical construction in Australasia is a requirement in the first instance.

Please note if you don't meet the specific criteria of the advertisement be realistic about the salary package you are suggesting, if the experience means that there will be a reasonable amount of on boarding required to get you up to speed in our business this needs to be taken into account. A mis match here may mean that you are not contacted for the roll in the first instance.

What you'll be doing

Preparing comprehensive cost estimates and bills of quantities for construction and steel fabrication projects of varying complexity

Analysing architectural and engineering drawings, specifications and contract documents to identify project scope and material requirements

Utilising estimating software and tools to produce detailed breakdowns of labour, materials, plant and overhead costs

Reviewing and validating estimates to ensure accuracy, competitiveness and alignment with company profitability targets

Collaborating with the operations team to understand site conditions, logistics and buildability factors that impact costs

Undertaking site visits and inspections where necessary to clarify project requirements and constraints

What we're looking for

Formal qualification in quantity surveying, construction management or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience in construction estimating

Minimum of 3-5 years' professional experience in quantity surveying or construction estimating, ideally within the steel fabrication, structural steel or vertical ( Buildings) heavy construction sectors

Proficiency in standard estimating software and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to quickly master new tools and systems

Strong analytical and mathematical skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in calculations

In-depth knowledge of construction methodologies, material costs, labour rates and industry standard practices

Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders

Ability to work independently whilst managing multiple estimates concurrently and meeting tight deadlines

A candidate that is a New Zealand Resident would be preferred. People requiring a Work Visa would only be considered if they can show and prove through references that they have considerable experience in Structural Steel. Extensive experience with PowerFab or it previous version Fabsuite in Estimating would be considered an advantage.

What we offer

Phoenix Steel offers a competitive remuneration package and the ability to join with a company that is growing an amount but not to the point that you'll get lost within a larger team. Opportunity to take on real responsibility and work alongside the owners where you will be recognized for the effort and value you bring to the work environment. We renumerate based on attitude and productivity within the roles of the business, have both you are in a position to be rewarded. In this position if you can take the workload away from the owner then it will be viewed positively within the total package either straight away or once this is in place and working well.

About us

Phoenix Steel is a leading construction and steel fabrication company operating across the Canterbury region and the lower South Island. We specialize in delivering high-quality structural steel solutions for commercial, industrial and residential projects. With a strong reputation for reliability Phoenix Steel has established itself as a trusted partner for clients and are gaining more through the reputation of delivering and going the extra mile to do so.

We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment process.