Estimating Manager

A family-owned construction and engineering group has been delivering complex projects across Australia and the Pacific for more than 50 years. Their work spans oil and gas, mining, power generation, and major infrastructure. With a close-knit team of around 25 at head office and a workforce known for staying long-term, this is a business where capable people are given real responsibility and supported to grow.
  
This is a senior leadership role within the estimating function. You will oversee a team of seven to eight estimators across Brisbane and the Philippines, balancing hands-on estimating (approximately 50%) with tender reviews, process improvement, and the coaching and accountability needed to lift the function as a whole. The business has a strong pipeline of major work already in play, including Olympic-linked tenders, and needs a technical leader who can perform under pressure and develop the people around them.
  
Why You Will ❤️ Working Here

• Your manager has 30+ years in this business
• Management leads with a people-first approach
• Performance bonus tied to project and business results
• Olympic-linked tenders and major project work already in play
• Stable, capable team of estimators 
• Family-owned and flat: leaders are accessible and genuinely involved
• Diverse portfolio across mining, energy, infrastructure, and fabrication
• Long-tenured workforce: many employees stay 10 to 30 years
• On-site parking, open-plan office, and an on-site workshop
• Regular BBQs and team events in a culture that looks after its people
• Flexible start and finish times are considered for the right person
• Visa sponsorship for exceptional international candidates

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and review of mechanical cost estimates
• Conduct tender reviews and approvals with senior management
• Balance hands-on estimating with team coaching and oversight
• Interpret technical drawings, specs and project documentation
• Coordinate suppliers and subcontractors for competitive pricing
• Analyse and validate material, labour and equipment costs
• Support tender submissions with detailed cost breakdowns
• Maintain and improve estimating systems and cost libraries
• Identify value engineering and cost-saving opportunities

About You

• Confident and direct: you back your numbers commercially
• Hands-on leader: you can still build an estimate and own it
• Resilient under deadline pressure without dropping quality
• Commercially minded: you think about margin, not just cost
• You build confidence in your team, not dependence
• Open to technology and smarter ways of building estimates

Essential Skills

• Mechanical estimating background in heavy industry projects
• First-principles estimating across labour, materials, and equipment
• Experience managing or mentoring an estimating team
• Exposure to turbines, pipework, fabrication or plant upgrades
• Supplier and subcontractor commercial negotiation experience
• Clear understanding of Australian codes and standards
• Competent in Microsoft Office and industry estimating tools

How to Apply
This role is being managed exclusively by Fiona Sander at Barclay Recruitment. Applications are treated in the strictest confidence. Reach out directly for a confidential conversation.
  
04•• ••• 060
fio••@barclayrecruitment.com.au