Our client is a Tier 2 civil contractor delivering roads and highways, bulk earthworks, stormwater and drainage, water and sewer, bridges and structures, rail, marine, etc. for clients in and around SEQ. Their pipeline is strong and growing.

About the role
You'll lead tenders from first look to submission, owning the commercial and technical detail behind bids. Working closely with the bid, planning, commercial and operations teams, you'll build robust, competitive estimates and help shape how they approach each project.

Key responsibilities

- Lead and manage the estimating process for civil tenders, from enquiry review through to submission
- Carry out detailed quantity take-offs and build up rates from first principles, covering labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages
- Review drawings, specifications and contract documents to identify scope, risk and opportunities
- Obtain, analyse and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations
- Work with planners to develop construction methodologies, programmes and temporary works strategies that underpin the price
- Prepare preliminaries, risk and opportunity registers, and tender qualifications
- Present estimates and recommendations to directors at tender review meetings
- Support value engineering and alternative proposals to improve competitiveness
- Hand over successful tenders to delivery teams with clear information on assumptions,



allowances and risks
- Mentor and support junior estimators and cadets About you
- Proven estimating experience in civil construction, with recent experience at senior or lead level
- Strong background in roads / drainage / earthworks / water and sewer / structures / marine
- Demonstrated ability to price complex civil projects from first principles
- Sound understanding of construction methods, plant selection, productivity and temporary works
- Solid knowledge of contract forms such as AS 4000, AS 2124, NEC and state government forms (e.g. GC21, D&C;), and how they affect risk and pricing
- Proficiency in estimating software such as Candy, CostX, Bidcon, Causeway, or equivalent and advanced Excel
- Strong commercial awareness, with the judgement to balance competitiveness and risk
- Excellent communication skills and the confidence to challenge assumptions and present to senior stakeholders
- Current driver's licence and willingness to attend site visits Advantages
- Competitive salary of $150k
- $180k plus superannuation, reviewed annually
- Vehicle or vehicle allowance
- Hybrid working, with flexibility around office and site visits
- Paid professional memberships and ongoing training
- Employee assistance program and wellbeing support
- Genuine progression opportunities as we grow

📌 Senior Estimator (Gold Coast)
🏢 Franklin Smith
📍 Gold Coast