Lead Estimator: First‑Principles, Multi‑Discipline Lead

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

Job summary

Aurecon Group in the Philippines is seeking a Lead Estimator to drive robust cost estimation across project lifecycles. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, develop first-principles cost build-ups, and coordinate inputs from engineering, procurement, construction, and delivery groups to produce accurate estimates.

With at least eight years in heavy construction or engineering consulting, you will mentor junior estimators, maintain cost databases, and support risk management throughout concept

Qualifications

• Minimum eight 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.

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.

Skills

First-principles Estimating

Excel

Reading drawings

Estimating software

Team mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Quantity Surveying

Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Aurecon Group in the Philippines is seeking a Lead Estimator to drive robust cost estimation across project lifecycles. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, develop first-principles cost build-ups, and coordinate inputs from engineering, procurement, construction, and delivery groups to produce accurate estimates.

With at least eight years in heavy construction or engineering consulting, you will mentor junior estimators, maintain cost databases, and support risk management throughout concept