Senior Estimator

Do you love the thrill of winning a tender? Do you get satisfaction from turning a stack of drawings into a bulletproof, competitive price? If you're a Senior QS or Estimator who wants real ownership over the pre-construction process, not just a seat at the table, this is your next move.
  
Our client is a well-established New Zealand construction and modular manufacturing group with a genuinely diverse pipeline spanning commercial builds and off-site modular projects. They're growing, they're investing in their commercial team, and they need a Senior QS Estimator who can lead from the front.
  
Why this role stands out

• A salary that reflects the seniority of the role $150K–$180K per annum, backed by a business that's serious about its commercial function
• Real influence, not just number-crunching - you'll lead tenders from first principles through to submission and handover, shaping strategy, procurement and value engineering, not just filling in a spreadsheet
• Variety that keeps things interesting - work spans both traditional commercial construction and modular/off-site manufacturing, so no two tenders look the same
• A seat at the leadership table -  you'll mentor and guide Intermediate and Junior QS/estimators, with a clear path to growing your own team and influence
• Genuine cross-functional exposure -  direct collaboration with Construction, Design, Sales, Modular and the Commercial Manager, plus regular contact with clients, consultants and senior stakeholders
• A business that backs its estimating function -  you'll have real say in shaping systems, benchmarking data and commercial governance, not just following someone else's process

What you'll be doing

• Leading detailed estimates, tender submissions and negotiated proposals end to end
• Reviewing drawings, specifications and contract conditions to nail down scope, methodology and pricing risk
• Running subcontractor and supplier quotation processes, and recommending best-value compliant offers
• Developing value-engineering and alternative-construction proposals that genuinely improve buildability and margin
• Leading tender risk reviews and building airtight, well-documented submissions
• Delivering clean, structured handovers to the delivery team once work is secured
• Mentoring and reviewing the work of junior estimating team members
• Reporting to management on tender status, pricing risk and market conditions

What you'll bring

• 8+ years' quantity surveying or estimating experience in the NZ construction industry, including responsibility for significant tenders
• Proven ability to lead estimates from first principles through to final submission
• Strong grasp of NZ construction methods, subcontract markets and Building Code requirements
• Advanced take-off, cost planning, procurement and commercial risk-management skills
• A NZ Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) or equivalent recognised qualification
• A full NZ driver licence
• Confidence presenting commercial recommendations to senior stakeholders and clients

Right to work
To be considered for this role, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid New Zealand work visa that entitles them to work in this position, in accordance with New Zealand immigration requirements.
  
Sound like you?
If you're ready to lead estimating for a business that's genuinely investing in its future, we want to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a brief outline of your tender leadership experience.
  
For more information please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] and to apply follow the link.