Operations & Estimating Manager

Take ownership of your role—from first enquiry through to installation

Handrail Solutions is looking for an experienced and commercially minded person to take control of estimating and day-to-day project operations within our growing architectural metalwork business.

This is a hands-on position combining estimating, quantity surveying, scheduling and project coordination. You will be the link between our customers, builders, suppliers, workshop and installation teams, ensuring every job is properly priced, prepared and delivered.

You won’t be sitting in a large corporate department. You will work directly with the business owners, have the authority to make decisions and play an important part in improving how the company operates.

What you’ll be responsible for

Estimating and commercial management

• Review architectural drawings, specifications and tender documents
• Complete accurate quantity take-offs
• Build material, labour, installation and subcontractor costs
• Prepare tenders, quotations and clearly defined scopes of work
• Identify commercial risks, exclusions, assumptions and opportunities
• Obtain and compare supplier and subcontractor pricing
• Follow up quotations and help secure profitable work
• Price and manage variations throughout each project
• Monitor estimated versus actual project costs and margins
• Maintain and improve our pricing rates, templates and estimating systems

Operations and project coordination

• Manage the workflow from accepted quote through to final installation
• Plan and maintain the fabrication and installation schedule
• Coordinate site measures, drawing approvals, material ordering, deliveries and installation dates
• Ensure the workshop has the correct drawings, materials and information before starting
• Balance customer deadlines against available workshop and installation capacity
• Keep customers and builders informed throughout their projects
• Respond to incoming enquiries and identify new quoting opportunities
• Resolve scheduling, supply and site issues before they become delays
• Support the owners with workload planning and operational improvements

What we’re looking for

You may currently be working as an estimator, quantity surveyor, project manager or operations manager within construction or a specialist trade contractor.

You will ideally bring:

• Experience estimating construction, engineering, fabrication or subcontract works
• Confidence reading architectural and construction drawings
• Strong quantity take-off and cost-build-up skills
• A practical understanding of materials, labour, margins and project risk
• Experience coordinating several projects at different stages
• Strong commercial judgement and attention to detail
• Clear communication with customers, builders, suppliers and tradespeople
• Confidence using spreadsheets, estimating software and job-management systems
• The ability to prioritise, make decisions and keep work moving
• A practical, accountable approach—you take ownership rather than waiting to be directed

Experience with handrails, balustrades, aluminium, stainless steel, structural steel, glazing or architectural metalwork would be an advantage, but it is not essential.

A qualification in quantity surveying, construction management or a related discipline would be beneficial. However, proven practical experience in a subcontracting or construction environment will be valued equally.

About Handrail Solutions

Handrail Solutions is a locally owned Christchurch company specialising in the manufacture and installation of architectural handrails, balustrades, screens and custom metalwork.

We work across residential and commercial projects throughout Canterbury and the wider South Island, managing fabrication and installation with our own in-house teams.

We are growing and need an experienced person who can bring structure to our workflow, improve our estimating capacity and help ensure our projects are delivered efficiently and profitably.

What we offer

• An intermediate to senior position with genuine responsibility and decision-making authority
• Direct involvement with the owners and the direction of the business
• A varied role covering estimating, commercial management and operations
• The opportunity to improve systems and make the position your own
• Interesting residential and commercial architectural projects
• A practical and supportive team environment
• Competitive remuneration based on experience
• Long-term progression as the company continues to grow