Lead Estimator - Water Infrastructure (Civil Engineering)
Lead Estimator - Water Infrastructure (Civil Engineering)
Location: Queensland or New South Wales
Full-Time | Permanent
About the Opportunity
We're looking for a technically astute and commercially minded Lead Estimator to join a dynamic infrastructure delivery team focused on water sector projects. This role is ideal for someone with a civil engineering background and deep expertise in first principles estimating, ready to take ownership of cost planning across a diverse portfolio of water infrastructure works.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop detailed and defensible cost estimates from first principles for civil works in the water sector, including pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs, and treatment facilities.
- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and scopes to build comprehensive cost models.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to ensure estimates reflect real-world construction methodologies and market conditions.
- Maintain and refine databases of unit rates, labour productivity, plant and material costs.
- Support bid strategy and tender submissions with clear, structured cost breakdowns.
- Lead internal estimating reviews and provide mentorship to junior team members.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating systems and processes.
About You
- Degree-qualified in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
- Proven experience estimating water infrastructure projects, ideally in a contractor or design-and-construct environment.
- Strong understanding of construction sequencing and methodology.
- Advanced skills in first principles estimating - building up costs from base inputs.
- Proficient in estimating tools such as CostX, Candy, or similar platforms.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Able to work independently and lead estimating efforts across multiple concurrent projects.
Why This Role?
- Be part of a forward-thinking team delivering essential infrastructure.
- Work on technically challenging and meaningful projects across Queensland and New South wales
- Supportive culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Competitive remuneration and flexible working arrangements.
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