Principal Estimator – Utilities

Brisbane, QLD | Full-Time | Infrastructure & Civil Construction

Lead complex, high-value estimates across major utilities and infrastructure projects.

Take ownership of strategic tenders valued between $5 million and $300 million.

Apply your technical expertise in first-principles estimating, D&C and commercial risk management.

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 Australian infrastructure and utilities services organisation delivering projects and essential services across water, power, network services, industrial and energy sectors.

With a growing pipeline of complex infrastructure and Design & Construction opportunities, the business is seeking an experienced Principal Estimator to strengthen its technical estimating capability and support commercially successful project delivery.

Reporting to the Head of Estimating, this position offers the opportunity to take ownership of complex tenders while providing technical leadership and mentoring to the wider estimating team.

Requirements

• Extensive estimating experience within civil construction, utilities or infrastructure, with demonstrated capability leading complex, high-value tenders and preparing detailed cost estimates for projects valued between $5 million and $300 million.
• Strong first-principles estimating capability, including labour and plant productivity calculations, material take-offs, Bills of Quantities (BOQ), Bills of Materials (BOM), indirect costs and detailed cost build-ups.
• Proven experience estimating Design & Construction (D&C), capital works, maintenance and infrastructure services contracts, with an understanding of construction methodologies, project programming and delivery risks.
• Advanced proficiency in Expert and Candy estimating software, supported by strong Excel skills and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation.
• Strong commercial understanding of tendering processes, subcontractor and supplier pricing, risk allowances, contingencies, value engineering and contract requirements.
• Ability to lead end-to-end estimating activities, including scope reviews, pricing development, technical validation, tender reconciliation and presentation of commercial recommendations to senior management.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring capability, supported by strong stakeholder engagement skills and a relevant engineering, construction or quantity surveying qualification. A valid driver's licence and White Card are required.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead complex infrastructure and utilities tenders valued between $5 million and $300 million.
• Technical leadership role reporting directly to the Head of Estimating.
• Exposure to a diverse national portfolio across water, power, network services, industrial and energy infrastructure.
• Opportunity to strengthen D&C estimating practices and contribute to commercial and technical decision-making.
• Responsibility for mentoring and supporting estimating personnel, with oversight of approximately 1–2 team members.
• Opportunity to influence estimating standards, cost benchmarking, tender quality and continuous improvement initiatives.