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- Tasks: Lead competitive tenders and manage the entire tender process for high-value projects.
- Company: Join Cook Brothers Construction, a leading firm with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health insurance, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible locations available across New Zealand with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while building valuable industry relationships.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in commercial construction estimating and a relevant degree required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As our business continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced professional to step into this key role. You will contribute to our expanding project pipeline by delivering accurate cost plans, tender bids, feasibility studies and managing the tender process end to end. With our national footprint continuing to expand, we offer flexibility in location, with opportunities available in Otago, Queenstown, Wanaka, Auckland and Canterbury.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and deliver competitive tenders from $500k to $20M+, supporting our expanding project portfolio.
- Drive commercial accuracy through detailed measurement and strategic pricing.
- Build and strengthen industry relationships to unlock new opportunities and partnerships.
- Manage end to end tender processes to secure profitable, high-quality project wins.
- Strategically source and negotiate with trade partners and suppliers to maximise value.
- Analyse land, building and project data to inform smart commercial decisions.
- Undertake robust due diligence to identify risk, protect margins and strengthen bid outcomes.
About You:
Bringing a strong blend of technical expertise and commercial construction experience, this role requires confidence to lead, deliver high-quality outcomes, and thrive in a fast-paced pre-construction environment. The ability to think strategically, communicate clearly, and engage effectively with stakeholders ensures real commercial value across the estimating lifecycle. Contributing informed insights strengthens decision-making, protects margins and supports successful project acquisition. Strong relationship-building skills enable seamless collaboration with internal teams and external partners, driving alignment and results.
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 years postgraduate experience in commercial construction estimating, ideally with Tier 2 main contractors in New Zealand and/or Australia.
- Bachelor of Construction Management (Quantity Surveying) or related qualification.
- Proven experience delivering accurate measurement across a broad range of projects, including new builds and fit outs.
- Advanced capability with estimating and project management software platforms.
- Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to build trust and drive collaborative outcomes.
About Us:
At Cook Brothers Construction, we back our teams to take ownership, make smart calls, and deliver with pride. Our strength lies in our people and their drive to continually raise the bar. This has led to a legacy of 20 years of dedication and teamwork. We value hard work, celebrate achievements, and take pride in the results we create and the connections we form. From our Dunedin roots to growth across Auckland, Canterbury, Southern Lakes, Wānaka, and Otago, we’ve built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading construction firms. Our foundations are clear: innovation, quality, sustainability, client satisfaction, health, safety and wellbeing.
If you’re looking to contribute to a company that values trust, collaboration, and growth, Cook Brothers is the place to be.
Why Join Us?
Join a supportive, high-performing construction team that values your growth! At Cook Brothers Construction, we back your development, ring the gong for wins, and reward your hard work with a competitive salary and health insurance. If you are ready to connect people, drive results and make an impact, apply now and step into your next career adventure!
Health, safety and wellbeing come first, so a pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol testing is required.
Estimator in Canterbury employer: Cook Brothers Construction
Contact Detail:
Cook Brothers Construction Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. Building relationships can unlock opportunities that job boards just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in what we do, and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to our success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the role of an Estimator. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel like a superstar.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight your experience in commercial construction estimating and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at Cook Brothers Construction. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with estimating and project management software. We’re keen on candidates who can drive commercial accuracy, so be sure to highlight any relevant tools you’ve used in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the hiring process. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cook Brothers Construction
✨Know Your Numbers
As an estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to deliver accurate cost plans. Brush up on your measurement techniques and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed costs. Bring examples of your work that showcase your attention to detail and strategic pricing.
✨Build Relationships
Since strong relationship-building skills are crucial for this role, think about how you can highlight your experience in collaborating with trade partners and suppliers. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you've unlocked new opportunities through effective communication and trust-building.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Familiarity with estimating and project management software is key. Be prepared to talk about the platforms you've used and how they've helped you deliver high-quality outcomes. If possible, bring along a portfolio or examples of reports you've generated using these tools.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk management skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to undertake due diligence or make smart commercial decisions. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.