Senior Estimator

Downer; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Senior Estimator for Water NZ to lead major tender estimates across a diverse water infrastructure portfolio in New Zealand. The role collaborates with engineering, operations, procurement and delivery teams to develop accurate, compliant estimates that support winning outcomes.

You will coordinate inputs, review supplier quotes, and drive pricing strategies while mentoring the estimating team and contributing to process improvements.

Qualifications

• Significant estimating experience within civil infrastructure projects, ideally across water, wastewater, treatment facilities, pump stations, pipeline networks or related utilities infrastructure.
• Demonstrated success leading complex estimates from opportunity assessment through to submission and handover.
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, productivity, plant, labour, materials, subcontracting and market pricing.
• Experience with commercial risk assessment, procurement processes and contract conditions.
• Strong capability in Microsoft Excel and estimating software, with Candy experience essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate estimates for major tenders and opportunities across the Water business.
• Develop pricing strategies, methodologies, programmes, resource plans and basis of estimate documentation.
• Coordinate inputs from engineering, operational, procurement, commercial and project delivery teams.
• Review and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Facilitate commercial, risk and governance reviews throughout the tender process.
• Support bid development and tender submissions.
• Provide estimating leadership, coaching and mentoring to team members.
• Support project teams with budgets, variations, benchmarking and lessons learned.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of estimating systems, tools and standards across the business.

Skills

Estimating

Civil infrastructure

Excel

Candy

Stakeholder mgmt

Leadership

Risk assessment

Education

QS/Civil Eng degree

Tools

Candy

Job description

Senior Estimator Water NZ

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Water New Zealand Opportunities and Tenders team.

This role plays a critical part in securing sustainable and profitable work across a diverse portfolio of water infrastructure projects throughout New Zealand. Working closely with operational, engineering, commercial and delivery teams, you will lead the development of accurate, competitive and fully compliant estimates that support winning outcomes and successful project delivery.

Location

This role can be based in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate estimates for major tenders and opportunities across the Water business
• Develop pricing strategies, methodologies, programmes, resource plans and basis of estimate documentation
• Coordinate inputs from engineering, operational, procurement, commercial and project delivery teams
• Review and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations
• Facilitate commercial, risk and governance reviews throughout the tender process
• Support bid development and tender submissions
• Provide estimating leadership, coaching and mentoring to team members
• Support project teams with budgets, variations, benchmarking and lessons learned
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of estimating systems, tools and standards across the business

What we're looking for

• A qualification in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience
• Significant estimating experience within civil infrastructure projects, ideally across water, wastewater, treatment facilities, pump stations, pipeline networks or related utilities infrastructure
• Demonstrated success leading complex estimates from opportunity assessment through to submission and handover
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, productivity, plant, labour, materials, subcontracting and market pricing
• Experience with commercial risk assessment, procurement processes and contract conditions
• Strong capability in Microsoft Excel and estimating software, with Candy experience essential
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence and coordinate multidisciplinary teams
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills and attention to detail
• A commitment to Zero Harm and delivering safe, practical and commercially sound solutions

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration package
• Opportunities to work on major infrastructure projects that shape New Zealand communities
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Access to industry leading systems, tools and resources
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives
• A culture focused on safety, innovation and continuous improvement

About Energy & Utilities

Energy & Utilities is one of New Zealand's leading providers of infrastructure services. We work with utility providers, local government and private sector clients to design, build, operate and maintain essential infrastructure that supports communities across New Zealand.

At Downer, our purpose is to enable communities to thrive. We create and sustain the modern environment by building trusted relationships and world leading insight.

Downer is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.