Senior Estimator

Job Overview

An established Australian structural steel and engineering firm based in Brisbane is seeking a skilled Senior Estimator to join their team. This position involves far more than just desk-based pricing – it requires ownership of the entire estimating process, direct client interaction, pricing of intricate and high-value structural steel projects, and an active contribution to turning bids into successful contracts.

Key Duties

• Take the lead on estimating complex structural steel projects with significant value.
• Oversee tenders from initial inquiry through pricing, submission, negotiation, and final handover.
• Carefully review drawings, specifications, scopes, and project needs.
• Prepare precise labor, material, fabrication, and installation cost estimates.
• Spot commercial risks, identify exclusions, and find scope opportunities.
• Develop competitive bidding and pricing approaches.
• Manage your own portfolio and pipeline of tenders.
• Engage directly with clients throughout the estimating process.
• Participate in client meetings, tender interviews, and negotiations post tender submission.
• Build strong relationships with builders and other construction stakeholders.
• Follow up on tenders and collect feedback on wins and losses.
• Lead detailed handovers to the project delivery teams.
• Review estimates produced by junior estimators.
• Guide and mentor junior and cadet estimators.
• Coordinate closely with project management, drafting, workshop, and leadership teams.
• Contribute to improving estimating processes, accuracy, and bid conversion rates.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated extensive experience in structural steel estimating.
• Proven capability in pricing complex, high-value construction projects.
• Thorough understanding of structural steel fabrication and installation methodologies.
• Competency in interpreting drawings, specifications, and tender documentation confidently.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing tenders throughout the entire lifecycle, from enquiry to award and handover.
• Comfort and experience dealing directly with clients.
• Favored relationships within structural steel or construction industries.
• Mentorship experience with junior estimators.
• Familiarity with estimating software such as Strumis, and solid proficiency in take-off software.
• Current White Card certification.
• A proactive and commercially driven mindset.

Additional Information

This role offers considerable autonomy to handle complex projects with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate understands that winning work is not solely about offering the lowest price but about value and strategy.

Why Join?

• Lead and own significant and complicated tender processes.
• Work closely and directly with important clients.
• Influence bidding and pricing strategies.
• Hold true autonomy over your portfolio of projects.
• Play a critical role in mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Collaborate with experienced teams across estimating, project management, and operations.
• Directly impact conversion rates, profit margins, and the company’s future project pipeline.

Terms

Employment Type: Full-time on-site role based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.