Job Description
Senior Civil Estimator | Major Civil Infrastructure
Brisbane | TMR & Major Council Projects | $40M–$150M
This is a serious estimating role for someone who understands how major civil infrastructure is actually built — not just how to price it.
We’re partnering with an established civil contractor to appoint a Senior Civil Estimator into its Brisbane pre-contracts team, supporting a strong pipeline of major infrastructure projects across South East Queensland and regional Queensland.
The work sits firmly in the larger civil space, with projects typically ranging from $40M to $150M, including major TMR road infrastructure and substantial local government packages valued up to $100M.
If your strength is first-principles estimating, challenging methodology, identifying commercial risk and developing a tender strategy that gives the business the best chance of winning — this role deserves a closer look.
The opportunity
You’ll take a senior position within the estimating function and work closely with pre-contracts, operations and senior management from initial tender review through to submission, negotiation and handover.
This isn't about simply producing a number.
You'll be expected to understand the project, determine how it should be constructed, test the methodology and ensure the estimate reflects the realities of delivering the work.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing detailed first-principles estimates for major civil infrastructure projects
- Leading and contributing to tenders ranging from $40M–$150M
- Pricing major TMR road and transport infrastructure projects
- Estimating significant Council infrastructure packages up to $100M
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, schedules and contractual documentation
- Developing construction methodologies, staging and resourcing strategies
- Assessing labour, plant, materials, productivity and subcontract requirements
- Completing detailed quantity take-offs and cost build-ups
- Identifying commercial, contractual and construction risks
- Engaging subcontractors and suppliers and analysing market pricing
- Participating in tender reviews, adjudications and commercial strategy
- Working closely with delivery teams to ensure realistic methodologies and production assumptions
- Supporting tender negotiations and successful project handovers
What we're looking for
We’re looking for an experienced civil estimator who has worked in the Australian civil construction market and understands the complexities of large-scale infrastructure tenders.
Ideally, you will bring:
- Strong civil construction estimating experience
- Proven first-principles estimating capability
- Experience pricing larger civil infrastructure packages
- Exposure to TMR, major roadworks or substantial local government projects
- Strong understanding of earthworks, pavements, drainage, structures and associated civil works
- The ability to develop and challenge construction methodologies
- Strong commercial and contractual awareness
- Confidence working independently on major tenders while collaborating with operations and senior management
- A practical understanding of how civil projects are delivered on site
Why consider it?
The attraction here is the quality and scale of the work.
You’ll be pricing substantial infrastructure projects without needing to move into a national Tier 1 environment.
The project pipeline includes major works across Brisbane, Southeast Queensland, and regional Queensland, giving you exposure to technically challenging projects while remaining based in Brisbane.
Just as importantly, this is a business that values experienced estimators for their judgement.
They want someone who can question assumptions, influence methodology, identify the risks others miss and help determine which projects the business should pursue.
For the right estimator, it offers the opportunity to remain firmly focused on estimating and pre-contracts while working at a genuinely senior level.
Interested?
If you're an experienced Civil Estimator or Senior Civil Estimator looking for larger, more complex infrastructure projects while remaining based in Brisbane, we'd like to hear from you.
Apply confidentially or contact Ryan Oxlade at Empower Management to discuss the opportunity.
Empower Management – Specialist Civil Engineering & Construction Recruitment