Senior Estimator

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful.

Benefits

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• Competitive remuneration package
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• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
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• Discounts for Samsung, Repco, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!
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• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
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• Progression and development programs on offer including our inspiring leaders programme for top performers
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We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Estimator to join our South Region team. This is a pivotal role responsible for leading the development of accurate, competitive, and commercially robust estimates for civil construction projects and long-term maintenance contracts throughout the Lower North Island and South Island.

Working closely with operational leaders, commercial teams, project managers, and business development professionals, you will play a vital role in securing work that drives business growth while managing risk and maximising project profitability.

As a Senior Estimator, you will provide leadership throughout the tendering process, developing first‑principles estimates and bid strategies that support successful project outcomes across a diverse portfolio of civil infrastructure projects.

We’re ideally looking for someone based in Wellington; however we’d love to hear from strong candidates in Christchurch, Hastings, Palmerston North, or Dunedin too. This role works across our South Region, so you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with teams throughout the Lower North Island and South Island, with occasional travel as needed.

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• Lead the preparation of detailed first principles cost estimates for civil construction and maintenance projects.
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• Develop bid strategies aligned with market conditions and business objectives.
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• Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and pricing intelligence.
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• Act as a key representative during tender submissions and bid development activities.
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• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
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• Mentor Assistant Estimators, Graduates, and Cadets.
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• Promote best‑practice estimating methodologies and standardised processes.
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• Ensure Health, Safety, Environmental, and Sustainability considerations are embedded throughout the estimating process.
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To be successful in this position, you will bring extensive New Zealand civil construction estimating experience and a strong understanding of infrastructure project delivery.

You’ll also bring:

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• Tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or similar.
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• Minimum 10 years’ experience within the New Zealand civil construction industry.
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• Minimum 10 years’ estimating experience in a structured tendering environment.
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• Demonstrated expertise in First Principles Estimating.
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• Proven experience pricing civil infrastructure projects.
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• Strong understanding of NZS contract frameworks, procurement models, and infrastructure delivery methodologies.
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• Experience using estimating software such as Candy, Benchmark, or similar industry systems.
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• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
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Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone – all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical, and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.