Estimator

The Opportunity:

We're partnering with an established New Zealand civil contractor looking for an experienced Civil Estimator to join its Auckland team.

This is a lean, commercially focused business delivering civil infrastructure projects across New Zealand, with work spanning earthworks, drainage, utilities, retaining structures, rail and general civil construction.

The contractor works alongside major Tier 1 organisations while also delivering its own projects as head contractor, predominantly using its own crews, with project values extending up to the $10M–$20M range.

They're looking for an estimator who can do more than price work — they want someone who understands how to win the right projects and deliver profitable outcomes.

The Role You'll be responsible for:

• Pricing civil infrastructure projects across multiple disciplines.
• Building detailed rates and estimates using Candy.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Identifying commercial, contractual and project risks.
• Taking genuine ownership of tenders from start to finish.
• Working closely with commercial, engineering and delivery teams.
• Understanding project performance beyond tender award.
• Helping the business secure profitable work.

What We're Looking For

• 5–10+ years' civil estimating experience.
• Strong knowledge of the New Zealand civil construction market.
• Broad experience across earthworks, drainage, utilities, retaining structures, rail and/or general civil works.
• Strong commercial judgement alongside technical estimating capability.
• Confidence interpreting drawings, specifications and contractual requirements.
• Experience following projects from tender through delivery, claims and close-out.
• A track record of understanding and protecting project margins.
• Candy experience or strong experience with comparable estimating systems.

A Tier 1 civil contracting background would be highly regarded, particularly if you're looking to move away from a larger corporate structure and take greater ownership of your work.
Why Consider It? This is an opportunity to join a smaller, agile contractor where your contribution will be visible and your commercial judgement will matter.
You'll find:

• Greater ownership and accountability.
• Less corporate bureaucracy.
• Broad exposure across civil disciplines.
• A direct and commercially focused environment.
• The opportunity to influence which projects the business pursues and wins.
• Remuneration that can reflect the capability and value you bring.

They're not looking to simply fill a vacancy. The priority is finding an estimator with the right combination of technical capability, commercial thinking and attitude.