Senior Estimator – Civil Infrastructure in Brisbane

Our client is a well-established civil infrastructure contractor with a long track record of delivering complex, high-value projects across Queensland and the wider Australian market. Known for technical capability and disciplined delivery, they have built a reputation as a trusted partner to government agencies, asset owners and major private-sector clients.

Operating across transport, water and broader civil sectors, the business delivers work under a range of procurement models, from traditional construct-only contracts through to design and construct, early contractor involvement and collaborative delivery frameworks. This breadth gives them a strong, diversified position in a market that continues to see sustained investment.

With South East Queensland entering one of the most significant periods of infrastructure spending in its history, the business is in a phase of strategic growth. Investment in their pre-contract and estimating capability is central to that plan, creating an opportunity for a senior estimator to step into a role with real influence over which projects are won and how they are priced.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PROJECTS

Based in the Brisbane office, you will join a capable and collaborative estimating and tendering team that works closely with design, planning, commercial and operations leaders. The culture is commercially sharp but supportive, with an open-door leadership style and a strong emphasis on accuracy, accountability and teamwork.

The tender pipeline spans a broad mix of civil infrastructure, including roads and motorways, bridges and structures, rail, water and wastewater, and major earthworks and site development packages. Opportunities range from mid-sized projects through to large, multi-year schemes, giving you exposure to some of the most technically demanding work in the state.

You will be involved from early bid strategy and go/no-go decisions through to final submission, client negotiations and handover to the delivery team. This end-to-end involvement means your work directly shapes the commercial foundations of projects that will define the region for years to come.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the preparation of detailed estimates and tender submissions for major civil infrastructure projects
• Develop first-principles estimates covering labour, plant, materials, subcontract and indirect costs
• Contribute to bid strategy, go/no-go decisions and risk and opportunity assessments
• Engage with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain, analyse and normalise pricing
• Collaborate with design, planning and construction teams to develop methodologies and value-engineering options
• Review contract conditions (AS4000, AS2124 and bespoke forms) and identify commercial risk
• Present estimates to senior leadership and support client negotiations through to award
• Ensure a smooth handover of tender estimates and assumptions to the delivery team
• Mentor and develop junior and intermediate estimators within the team

WHAT YOU NEED

• Significant experience as a Senior Estimator or Lead Estimator within civil infrastructure contracting
• Proven track record pricing large-scale roads, bridges, rail, water or earthworks projects
• Strong first-principles estimating skills and a deep understanding of civil construction methodology
• Experience with estimating software such as CANDY, Expert Estimation or similar platforms
• Sound knowledge of Australian contract forms and the Queensland construction landscape
• A tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or similar
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to present to senior stakeholders

WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN

This role offers a package of up to $300,000, placing it among the most competitive senior estimating opportunities in the Brisbane market. More importantly, it provides a long-term career platform within a growing business, with the chance to shape tender outcomes on landmark infrastructure projects and a clear pathway towards Estimating Manager or Head of Estimating as the team expands.