Head of Estimating – Utilities

Brisbane, QLD | Full-Time | National Leadership Role

Lead a national estimating function across major utilities and infrastructure projects.

Drive estimating strategy, commercial governance and high-value tender outcomes.

Shape a high-performing team supporting complex Design & Construction (D&C) and maintenance contracts.

About People8

People8 is a people strategy consultancy helping construction, infrastructure and trades businesses attract, hire and retain the right people. We combine recruitment expertise, hiring technology and practical people strategies to build stronger teams and support long-term growth.

About the Company

People8 has partnered with an established infrastructure and utilities services organisation delivering essential services across Australia.

Operating across water, power, network services, industrial and energy sectors, the business is strengthening its national estimating capability to support an expanding pipeline of infrastructure projects, maintenance contracts and complex Design & Construction opportunities.

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Head of Estimating to lead the national Utilities estimating function, reporting directly to the General Manager – Commercial & Pre-Contracts.

Requirements

• Demonstrated senior estimating leadership experience within civil construction, utilities or infrastructure, including responsibility for estimating teams, functional performance and commercial governance.
• Proven experience overseeing complex tenders and contracts valued between $5 million and $50 million, with strong capability in first-principles estimating, cost modelling and commercial risk assessment.
• Experience across Design & Construction (D&C), maintenance and services contracting, with the ability to assess different delivery models, construction methodologies, productivity assumptions and risk allocations.
• Ability to develop and implement national estimating strategies, standardised methodologies, cost libraries, quality assurance processes and tender review frameworks.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including evaluating project margins, contingencies, escalation, procurement risks, subcontractor pricing and estimate-to-actual performance.
• Proven people leadership capability, including managing and mentoring estimators, workforce planning, performance management, recruitment and succession development.
• Excellent executive stakeholder management and communication skills, supported by advanced estimating software knowledge, Excel proficiency and relevant engineering, quantity surveying or construction qualifications.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead a national estimating function across multiple utilities and infrastructure sectors.
• Direct reporting relationship with the General Manager – Commercial & Pre-Contracts.
• Leadership responsibility for an established estimating team of approximately 4–5 personnel.
• Strategic involvement in complex tenders, commercial decisions and national estimating governance.
• Opportunity to strengthen D&C estimating capability and implement meaningful process improvements.
• Exposure to major infrastructure, capital works, maintenance and services opportunities across Australia.