Lead Estimator

Aurecon Group; Manila; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurecon is seeking a Lead Estimator to develop and deliver robust cost estimation across project lifecycles, coordinating across engineering, procurement, construction and delivery teams.

You will apply first-principles estimating, work with offshore teams, mentor junior estimators, and produce detailed cost databases and tender documentation.

The role supports sustainable solutions and high-performing global teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' estimating experience with recognised engineering contractors or heavy construction entities.
• Strong first-principles estimating knowledge with detailed quantity take-offs.
• Experience building labour-hour build-ups for structural steel, mechanical, piping and design packages.
• Solid understanding of construction methodologies, productivity factors, and materials/equipment.
• Proficiency in estimating software and MS Excel.
• Strong technical capability in reading and interpreting construction plans, drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and other technical documentation.
• Proficiency in estimating software and other relevant digital estimating tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to confidently engage with engineering, procurement, construction, commercial, suppliers, and project management teams.
• Highly detail-oriented, with a strong focus on accuracy, quality, and consistency.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating activities across disciplines and project lifecycles.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates from concept to project delivery.
• Develop robust first-principles pricing and labour-hour build-ups.
• Coordinate estimating inputs with engineering, procurement, construction and suppliers.
• Review estimates for accuracy and alignment with scope and commercial requirements.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators; maintain cost databases and tender docs.
• Coordinate estimating inputs across engineering, procurement, construction, suppliers, and other project stakeholders.
• Support project delivery through estimating input during project handover and early execution phases.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior estimators, supporting the development of estimating capability within the team.
• Prepare and maintain detailed estimating spreadsheets, cost databases, pricing schedules, and tender/submission documentation.
• Review estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and alignment with project scope and commercial requirements.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating methodologies, tools, databases, and processes.

Skills

First-principles estimating

Cost estimation

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Reading drawings

Education

Quantity Surveying / Engineering / Estimating qualification

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Cost databases

Job description

Just imagine your future with us… At Aurecon, we see the future through a very different lens. Do you? Innovation, eminence and digital are at the heart of everything we do. Are you excited about the future? Are you driven by the opportunity to work on some of the most challenging and complex projects around the world and to learn from the best? We are. Diversity is at the core of everything we do. We work together to create a culture based on respect, trust, and inclusiveness. Our differences are what fuel our creativity.

What will you do?

The Lead Estimator plays a key role in developing, leading, and delivering robust cost estimation processes across all stages of projects. The role requires strong first-principles estimating capability, technical understanding, and the ability to coordinate inputs across engineering, procurement, construction, and project delivery teams. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams locally and offshore, you will apply sound engineering judgement, Aurecon’s values, and New Zealand design standards to deliver practical, sustainable, and client-focused solutions. This role supports Aurecon’s commitment to bringing ideas to life, creating positive outcomes for communities, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing global workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead estimating activities across multiple disciplines, functions, and project lifecycles.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates across all project phases, including concept, FEED, detailed design, and project delivery.
• Develop robust pricing, including first-principles estimates for both greenfield and brownfield projects.
• Prepare cost estimates aligned with the proposed delivery methodology, incorporating labour rates, productivity factors, escalation, and clearly defined assumptions, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Develop detailed first-principles build-ups, including labour hours, quantities, productivity, materials, and equipment requirements.
• Identify, assess, and manage estimating risks, including scope gaps, programme assumptions, productivity risks, and resourcing constraints, ensuring all risks and assumptions are clearly documented and understood.
• Coordinate estimating inputs across engineering, procurement, construction, suppliers, and other project stakeholders.
• Support project delivery through estimating input during project handover and early execution phases.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior estimators, supporting the development of estimating capability within the team.
• Prepare and maintain detailed estimating spreadsheets, cost databases, pricing schedules, and tender/submission documentation.
• Review estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and alignment with project scope and commercial requirements.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating methodologies, tools, databases, and processes.

What can you bring to the team?

Firstly, you will share our genuine passion for re-imagining engineering and be someone that actively pursues continuous learning to help shape the future. You will also need the following:

Minimum requirements

• Minimum eight (8) years' estimating experience with recognised engineering contractors, heavy construction companies, or engineering consulting organisations.
• Strong first-principles estimating knowledge, with demonstrated ability to undertake detailed quantity take-offs and cost build-ups.
• Demonstrated experience developing first-principles labour-hour build-ups for: Structural steel, Mechanical equipment, Piping, Engineering and design packages
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, productivity factors, labour rates, materials, equipment, and project delivery requirements.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Strong technical capability in reading and interpreting construction plans, drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and other technical documentation.
• Proficiency in estimating software and other relevant digital estimating tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to confidently engage with engineering, procurement, construction, commercial, suppliers, and project management teams.
• Highly detail-oriented, with a strong focus on accuracy, quality, and consistency.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams.

Desirable Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Estimating, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience with project management and/or project controls platforms.
• Experience leading and mentoring an estimating team.
• Experience in major capital projects, resources, mining, energy, infrastructure, or heavy industrial projects.
• Familiarity with estimating databases, benchmarking, historical cost data, and cost reporting systems.

Our Aurecon Attributes

Our Aurecon Attributes define our way of being – they are a collection of qualities that makes us who we are. Individually and collectively, they unleash the true power of Aurecon, they make us stand out from the crowd and are critical to our success. We don’t expect you to have all eight of the attributes, but one that is unique to you. We value that each of our team members brings something different to Aurecon. We look for people who have had a broad range of experiences throughout their career and can demonstrate how they have worked as part of a team to bring ideas to life.

About Us

Headquartered in Australia, Aurecon is one of the leading international engineering, design and advisory company that brings vital engineering experience, technical capabilities, and design expertise to an extensive range of markets. Over the last 85 years, our team of more than 7,800 experts located in 11 locations across the globe have collaborated with our clients and partners to reimagine, shape and engineer clever, innovative and sustainable solutions to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges.

In Asia, where the region is undergoing rapid transformation in areas of sustainability, digital and infrastructure, we lead by being innovative, flexible and nimble. We embrace design-led thinking – an approach that is guided by digital engineering, the user experience and sustainability – ensuring that the work we do is future ready and leaves a legacy for the next generation.

Think engineering. Think again. Our purpose is bringing ideas to life. Learn more about us on our website.