Job Description
Complex infrastructure delivery begins with precision planning, commercial foresight, and first-principles pricing. Secure a high-impact leadership position with an industry-leading tier-one contractor, steering major civil tenders.
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The Opportunity
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Davies Stewart is partnering with a key client, an undisputed leader in the Australian construction, engineering, and infrastructure delivery market, renowned for handling large-scale, complex civil engineering challenges.
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Operating out of Adelaide, South Australia, the Civil & Infrastructure precontracts division is expanding its capacity to meet a robust pipeline of upcoming state and national projects.
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As a Senior Civil Estimator, you will step into a pivotal technical leadership role where you will directly influence the commercial trajectory and win-rates of the business. This position is crafted for an estimating skilled who wants to lead end-to-end multi-million dollar tenders, mentor emerging talent, and drive cutting-edge digital estimating methodologies.
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High-Impact Portfolio: Take charge as lead estimator on substantial, high-visibility civil and infrastructure tenders ranging from $5 million to $100 million.
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Technological Innovation: Leverage advanced digital estimating platforms, BIM models, and modern engineering outputs to optimize quantity surveying and risk evaluation.
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Mentorship & Legacy: Shape the future of the profession by providing technical guidance, coaching, and quality reviews to Estimators and Cadet Estimators.
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Executive Visibility: Partner directly with General Managers, Precontracts leadership, and Executive teams during critical tender reviews and commercial strategy sessions.
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The Role
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Reporting directly to the Estimating Manager, you will own the end-to-end preparation of competitive, risk-adjusted tenders across earthworks, roads, drainage, utilities, and associated civil scopes.
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Direct the complete estimating lifecycle from bid kick-off through to submission,



developing accurate first-principles pricing structures covering labour, plant, materials, and preliminaries.
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Identify, quantify, and price complex delivery risks, working alongside legal and commercial teams to review contract conditions and establish robust contingency margins.
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Coordinate request-for-quote (RFQ) processes, normalise subcontractor submissions, and negotiate commercial terms with key suppliers and trade partners.
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Collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and planning teams to ensure pricing aligns seamlessly with practical site sequences, plant productivity, and logistic strategies.
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Utilise advanced estimating software and digital take-off tools, contributing to the ongoing refinement of cost databases, unit rate libraries, and productivity benchmarks.
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Prepare comprehensive tender handover packs and lead alignment meetings with project delivery teams to ensure successful site mobilisation.
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About You
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You are a seasoned estimating specialist who pairs strong first-principles pricing capability with exceptional commercial judgement and a collaborative leadership style.
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A minimum of 7 to 10 years of dedicated estimating experience within the Australian civil construction and infrastructure sector.
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A proven track record acting as lead estimator on medium to large civil tenders covering bulk earthworks, pavements, utilities, and structural civil scopes.
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A tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Quantity Surveying is preferred, complemented by advanced Microsoft Excel capability and software proficiency (e.g., Expert Estimation, Candy, B2W).
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A solid understanding of common Australian construction contracting frameworks (e.g., AS ****, AS ****, D&C; forms).
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A visible commitment to safety leadership, professional integrity, and high-performance execution.
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A current driver's licence, full work rights in Australia, and the readiness to undertake necessary site inspections.
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Davies Stewart - Celebrating 17 years as a 100% South Australian owned and operated recruitment and business consultancy.

📌 Senior Estimator (South Australia)
🏢 Davies Stewart
📍 South Australia