Just imagine your future with us…
At Aurecon, we see the future through a very different lens. Do you?
Innovation, eminence and digital are at the heart of everything we do. Are you excited about the future?
Are you driven by the opportunity to work on some of the most challenging and complex projects around the world and to learn from the best? We are.
Diversity is at the core of everything we do. We work together to create a culture based on respect, trust, and inclusiveness. Our differences are what fuel our creativity.
What will you do?
The Lead Estimator plays a key role in developing, leading, and delivering robust cost estimation processes across all stages of projects. The role requires strong first-principles estimating capability, technical understanding, and the ability to coordinate inputs across engineering, procurement, construction, and project delivery teams.
Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams locally and offshore, you will apply sound engineering judgement, Aurecon’s values, and New Zealand design standards to deliver practical, sustainable, and client-focused solutions. This role supports Aurecon’s commitment to bringing ideas to life , creating positive outcomes for communities, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing global workforce.
Key Responsibilities
Lead estimating activities across multiple disciplines, functions, and project lifecycles.
Prepare detailed cost estimates across all project phases, including concept, FEED, detailed design, and project delivery.
Develop robust pricing, including first-principles estimates for both greenfield and brownfield projects.
Prepare cost estimates aligned with the proposed delivery methodology, incorporating labour rates, productivity factors, escalation, and clearly defined assumptions, exclusions, and qualifications.
Develop detailed first-principles build-ups, including labour hours, quantities, productivity, materials, and equipment requirements.
Identify, assess, and manage estimating risks, including scope gaps, programme assumptions, productivity risks, and resourcing constraints, ensuring all risks and assumptions are clearly documented and understood.
Coordinate estimating inputs across engineering, procurement, construction, suppliers, and other project stakeholders.
Support project delivery through estimating input during project handover and early execution phases.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior estimators, supporting the development of estimating capability within the team.
Prepare and maintain detailed estimating spreadsheets, cost databases, pricing schedules, and tender/submission documentation.
Review estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and alignment with project scope and commercial requirements.
Support continuous improvement of estimating methodologies, tools, databases, and processes.
We know today’s complex challenges can only be solved through bringing together diverse teams of people from across our business, so there will be opportunities for you to apply your skills and creativity to projects in other geographies and markets.
What can you bring to the team?
Firstly, you will share our genuine passion for re-imagining engineering and be someone that actively pursues continuous learning to help shape the future. You will also need the following:
Minimum eight (8) years' estimating experience with recognised engineering contractors, heavy construction companies, or engineering consulting organisations.
Strong first-principles estimating knowledge, with demonstrated ability to undertake detailed quantity take-offs and cost build-ups.
Demonstrated experience developing first-principles labour-hour build-ups for: Structural steel, Mechanical equipment, Piping, Engineering and design packages
Strong understanding of construction methodologies, productivity factors, labour rates, materials, equipment, and project delivery requirements.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Microsoft…