Lead Estimator at Complex - Canberra AU — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This Lead Estimator role at Complex is an on-site, office-based position located in Canberra, ACT, Australia. The nature of the work — site inspections, hands-on tender preparation, and coordination with subcontractors and suppliers — makes this role incompatible with a fully remote or location-independent lifestyle.
Key indicators that this is not remote-friendly include:
- Required site inspections to assess construction conditions and identify risks
- Direct oversight and coordination of an in-person estimating team
- Subcontractor relationship management that typically involves face-to-face meetings
For digital nomads or remote workers, this role is not suitable as a location-flexible opportunity. Canberra is Australia's capital and a relatively high cost-of-living city, with salaries in the construction sector typically reflecting this.
If you're a construction estimating professional seeking remote or hybrid flexibility, consider looking for roles with larger national construction firms or consultancies that explicitly advertise remote estimating positions — these do exist, particularly for desk-based quantity surveying and cost planning work that doesn't require site presence. Alternatively, contract or freelance estimating roles may offer more schedule flexibility while still leveraging your civil construction expertise.
About the Role
For more than 60 years, Complex has been known for delivering award-winning construction projects across the built environment. Our skillful execution of quality projects is an expression of our personal and professional commitment to connecting and enhancing communities.
We are looking for a Lead Estimator to provide support and technical advice to our estimating team, deliver accurate, competitive, and well-documented cost estimates for civil & construction projects, while also providing oversight and tender coordination to the estimating team.
The Lead Estimator is a critical role that remains hands-on in the preparation of tenders while contributing to pricing strategy, subcontractor engagement, and achieving tendering milestones.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates, budgets, and scopes of work for civil construction tenders
- Review tender documentation (drawings, specifications, RFTs, contracts) to confirm scope, risks, and opportunities
- Conduct and/or coordinate site inspections to assess conditions and identify construction risks
- Perform and review quantity take-offs using Benchmark, Revu, and Excel
- Prepare detailed cost build-ups, subcontractor comparisons, and pricing reconciliations
- Analyse historical project data to support pricing accuracy and continuous improvement
- Promote consistent estimating methodologies, tools, and documentation standards
- Maintain effective working relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers
About You
- Minimum 5 years' experience in commercial construction / civil infrastructure estimating
- Demonstrated experience preparing and leading complex civil tenders
- Strong understanding of civil, building and construction methodologies, contract review and risk identification, and cost planning and pricing strategy
- Proven ability to mentor and support junior and mid-level estimators
- High-level competency in Benchmark, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Project (Intermediate level)
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Well-developed interpersonal, negotiation, and organisational skills
If this sounds like you, please APPLY or reach out to Ebony Ison at [email protected]
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