Senior Estimator

RecruitNZ; Auckland; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Phone

Laptop

On-site parking

Autonomy

Professional development

Job summary

RecruitNZ in Auckland seeks a Senior Estimator to own a newly created role within a growing specialist construction business. You will manage estimating opportunities from enquiry and drawings review through detailed costing, quotation and handover, with influence on how the estimating function evolves.

You will need 5+ years in construction estimating, with experience in aluminium/metalwork and steel fabrication, strong Excel skills, and a proactive, autonomous approach to improving templates,

Qualifications

• 5+ years in construction estimating, able to independently price complex projects.
• Experience in architectural aluminium/metalwork and steel fabrication.
• Interpret drawings and create accurate take-offs and costings.
• Strong commercial judgement on margins, scope and risk.
• Advanced Excel skills and use of digital estimating tools.
• Experience with AI in estimating is advantageous.
• QS/CM/Engineering or related qualification is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Prepare quantity take-offs and detailed cost estimates.
• Price materials, fabrication, finishing and installation requirements.
• Obtain and assess supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, commercial risks and tender qualifications.
• Protect project margins and recommend pricing allowances.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities.
• Prepare clear, commercially sound quotations.
• Review estimates and provide technical guidance to others.
• Support handovers of secured projects to delivery teams.
• Improve estimating templates, systems and workflows.
• Explore digital, automation and AI-enabled estimating solutions.

Skills

Advanced Excel

AI for estimating

Commercial acumen

Autonomous worker

Detail oriented

Education

Quantity Surveying / Construction Management / Engineering or related degree

Tools

Excel/estimating software

AI-enabled estimating tools

Job description

09th November, 2026

Take ownership of a newly created estimating role with a growing specialist construction business.

The Opportunity

Our client is an established specialist construction business looking for an experienced Senior Estimator to take ownership of a newly created position. This is more than a take-off and quoting role. You will manage estimating opportunities from initial enquiry and drawing review through detailed costing, quotation and handover. You will also have the opportunity to influence how the estimating function develops, improving systems, templates, workflows and technology. It is an opportunity for an experienced estimator who wants greater ownership and the freedom to make a genuine commercial impact.

Role Responsibilities

• Reviewing architectural drawings, specifications and tender documentation
• Completing accurate quantity take-offs and detailed cost estimates
• Pricing materials, fabrication, finishing and installation requirements
• Obtaining and assessing supplier and subcontractor pricing
• Identifying scope gaps, commercial risks and tender qualifications
• Protecting project margins and recommending appropriate pricing allowances
• Identifying value-engineering opportunities
• Preparing clear, commercially sound quotations
• Reviewing estimates and providing technical guidance to others
• Supporting effective handovers of secured projects to delivery teams
• Improving estimating templates, systems and workflows
• Exploring appropriate digital, automation and AI-enabled estimating solutions

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years’ construction estimating experience, with the ability to independently price complex supply-and-install projects.
• Proven estimating experience in architectural aluminium/ metalwork and steel fabrication.
• Strong ability to interpret drawings and specifications and complete accurate take-offs and costings.
• Sound commercial judgement across margin, scope and project risk.
• Strong Excel skills and confidence using digital estimating and take-off software.
• Experience using AI for estimating, take-offs or costings would be advantageous.
• A relevant qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or a trade is beneficial, although strong practical experience will be equally valued.

What Will Make You Successful?

• Commercially minded and strong with numbers
• Highly accurate and detail focused
• Organised and able to manage competing priorities
• Comfortable working autonomously
• Confident questioning incomplete information and challenging assumptions
• A practical, solutions-focused problem solver
• Interested in improving systems rather than simply following existing processes
• Willing to coach, mentor and share knowledge

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a newly created position where you will have genuine scope to influence how estimating is done.

You will have the autonomy to improve processes, introduce smarter ways of working and help develop estimating capability as the business continues to grow.

The role also includes:

• Competitive base salary + bonus + Phone + Laptop
• On-site free parking
• Genuine autonomy without unnecessary micromanagement
• Opportunity to shape a newly established estimating function
• Long-term professional development opportunities

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Relevant pre-employment checks, including drug and alcohol testing, will form part of the recruitment process.