Senior Estimator

About the organisation

Downer delivers integrated services across Australia and New Zealand, helping clients plan, create, and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities through trusted partnerships and practical insight.

The opportunity

Join the South Region team in a senior estimating role focused on producing accurate, commercially strong estimates for civil construction work and long-term maintenance contracts across the Lower North Island and South Island. This position plays a central part in winning work that supports growth, protects margins, and manages project risk.

You will work closely with operational leaders, commercial teams, project managers, and business development colleagues to shape tenders, build first-principles estimates, and develop bid strategies that improve the chances of successful project outcomes. The role covers a wide range of civil infrastructure work and involves collaboration across the South Region, with occasional travel as required.

Preference is for someone based in Wellington, though strong candidates in Christchurch, Hastings, Palmerston North, or Dunedin are also encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare detailed first-principles estimates for civil construction and maintenance projects.
• Create bid approaches that reflect market conditions and align with business goals.
• Review market movements, competitor activity, and pricing information to support tender decisions.
• Represent the business during tender submissions and bid development activities.
• Develop and sustain effective working relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Guide and support Assistant Estimators, Graduates, and Cadets.
• Encourage consistent estimating methods and standardised processes across the team.
• Make sure health, safety, environmental, and sustainability considerations are built into estimating work.

What you need

• Extensive estimating experience in New Zealand civil construction, with a solid understanding of infrastructure delivery.
• A tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in the New Zealand civil construction sector.
• At least 10 years of estimating experience in a structured tendering environment.
• Strong capability in first-principles estimating.
• Demonstrated experience pricing civil infrastructure projects.
• Good knowledge of NZS contract frameworks, procurement models, and infrastructure delivery methods.
• Experience with estimating tools such as Candy, Benchmark, or similar systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel ability.

Why work here

• Competitive pay package.
• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes.
• Retail and lifestyle discounts, including Samsung, Repco, PB Tech, gym memberships, and more.
• $500 referral bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer.
• Career progression and development opportunities, including a leadership programme for top performers.

Additional information

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Wellington, New Zealand. The position sits within Downer’s South Region team and includes work across the Lower North Island and South Island, with occasional travel. Successful applicants must complete a pre-employment drug test, medical assessment, and Ministry of Justice check before starting. Support can be discussed if any part of this requirement needs assistance.

Reference

Role reference number: 733485.