Estimator

Estimator
Auckland - North Shore

Brief
This is an opportunity for an Estimator to join a specialist business operating across the construction, engineering and architectural sectors, delivering technically complex rigging, fabrication and installation solutions across New Zealand.

The ideal person won't just be comfortable reading a set of drawings — you'll understand what it takes to actually build what you're looking at. Perhaps you've worked on the tools, been involved in fabrication, installation, construction or a specialist trade and are now looking to move into estimating and develop your commercial skill set.

The business works closely with contractors, architects, engineers and project teams across civil, commercial, architectural and high-end residential projects. With design, fabrication and installation capabilities working together, projects are varied and often require practical thinking, technical understanding and a tailored approach.

You'll work alongside experienced estimators, project managers, designers, fabricators and site teams, initially taking responsibility for smaller and repeat-scope projects before progressing towards independent ownership of an agreed portfolio.

What’s in it for you

• A genuine pathway into estimating for someone with strong practical construction or trade experience who wants to develop commercially.
• Use your hands-on experience to your advantage — your understanding of materials, sequencing, labour, installation and what works in the real world will directly inform your pricing.
• Exposure to specialist construction and architecture, working on projects where design intent, engineering requirements, fabrication and installation all need to come together.
• High-value, technically interesting projects across civil infrastructure, commercial developments, architectural projects, public spaces and high-end residential work.
• End-to-end project exposure, from tender and pricing through procurement, handover, delivery and post-project review.
• Work alongside multiple disciplines, including estimating, quantity surveying, project management, CAD/design, fabrication and installation.
• A collaborative, people-focused culture where practical knowledge and teamwork are valued.
• The opportunity to develop a specialist career in a niche area of construction while building strong commercial and estimating capability.

Non-Negotiables

• 2–5 years' experience in estimating, construction, a specialist trade, fabrication, engineering or a closely related environment in New Zealand.
• Practical, hands-on understanding of how construction work is planned, fabricated and installed.
• The ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications and construction details.
• An understanding of construction methodologies, materials, labour and sequencing.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with genuine attention to detail.
• Confident Microsoft Excel capability.
• The ability to produce accurate quantity take-offs and understand how those quantities translate into real-world costs.
• Clear written communication and organisational skills — assumptions, exclusions and clarifications need to be easy for others to understand.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach and the ability to work effectively with tradespeople, suppliers, subcontractors, clients and internal teams.
• A genuine interest in developing your estimating and commercial capability.

Desirables

• Previous experience working on the tools or in a hands-on construction, fabrication, engineering or specialist trade environment.
• Experience in architectural, specialist trades, commercial construction, fabrication, engineering or rigging.
• Experience working with design-led or architecturally driven projects.
• A qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, or an interest in working towards one.
• Familiarity with NZ construction contracts and procurement practices.
• Experience with estimating or construction management platforms.
• Exposure to Procore, Xero or similar systems.
• Experience obtaining supplier/subcontractor pricing or supporting tender submissions.
• An interest in progressing from estimating into broader commercial and project responsibilities.

Next Steps
If you've built things, installed things, fabricated things or worked on the tools, and you're now looking to put that practical knowledge into an estimating role, this could be a strong next step.

You don't need to be the finished product. What matters is that you understand construction from the ground up, can read a drawing, think commercially and are motivated to develop into a capable Estimator with increasing responsibility.

Apply with your CV, and we'll arrange a confidential conversation to discuss your experience and what you're looking for in your next move.