Senior Estimator at Downer in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand | Kablio

Role

Description

estimating tools

bid preparation

tender governance

team leadership

client relations

project pricing

Drive estimating excellence through robust processes, continuous improvement, and the development of estimating tools.
Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers and partners while contributing to market insights and bid strategy.
Oversee bid preparation including methodology reviews, risk and commercial assessments, and tender governance.
Lead, coach and develop the estimating team to deliver accurate, timely and competitive tender pricing.
Work closely with internal teams to support project pricing, variations, budget development and handover.

Requirements

leadership

collaboration

estimating

analytical

quantity surveying

construction

Exceptional communication and people leadership skills, with commitment to Zero Harm.
Ability to build smart, cost-effective solutions and foster cross-functional collaboration.
Demonstrated experience leading estimating teams and delivering successful tender outcomes.
Strong analytical, commercial and risk assessment capability.
A tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Engineering or similar, plus experience in the construction industry (including 3+ years in an estimating environment).

Benefits

Join Downer Water NZ as our Senior Estimator a key leadership role in Christchurch driving estimating excellence, supporting major water infrastructure bids, and shaping future success across our national portfolio. Enjoy a collaborative culture, competitive remuneration, and strong career development pathways.

Competitive remuneration package and opportunities for career progression across Downer's trans-Tasman Energy & Utilities network.
Flexible working options and modern office facilities (including on-site parking).
Access to Perks@Downer (discounts on travel, technology, retail, wellbeing and more).
Supportive leadership with a strong focus on team development and succession planning.
Development pathways including THRIVE leadership programs and EmpowHER.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Since 1933

Year Established

The company has a longstanding legacy of providing essential infrastructure services.

specializes in delivering integrated services across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and utilities.
supports both private and public sectors with a diverse portfolio spanning construction, maintenance, and operations.
undertakes large-scale projects such as road construction, rail, energy, and water infrastructure.
has an expansive footprint in Australia and New Zealand, deeply involved in supporting national and regional development.
notable projects include urban transport systems, renewable energy installations, and vital utilities services.
has a strong focus on innovation, utilizing the latest technology to deliver efficient and sustainable solutions.

Culture + Values

The Downer Difference: commitment to build a high-performance organisation
We own the outcomes: accountability, high standards, efficiency and continuous improvement
We do it for our customers: customer-centric perspective, win-win outcomes, going above and beyond
We stand for each other: mutual respect, safety, trust, resilience, speaking up

Environment + Sustainability

50% reduction

Scope 1 & 2 emissions target

The company aims to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032 compared to a 2020 baseline.

1.5°C pathway

Climate alignment target

The company is aligned with a 1.5°C climate pathway, ensuring its operations are in line with global efforts to mitigate climate change.

2024 climate disclosure

Aotearoa NZ Climate Standards compliance

The company will begin disclosing its climate performance in accordance with Aotearoa NZ Climate Standards from 2024.

Scope 3 emissions target under review
Board oversight via multiple committees; monthly reporting includes GHG performance and decarbonisation progress

Inclusion & Diversity

40% Workforce Target

Gender Balance Goals

Targets to achieve 40% women in the workforce, 25% in management, 28% in executive roles, and 40% on the Board by 2026.

34% Women in Workforce

FY21 Representation

In FY21, the workforce was 34% female, with women holding 17% of management roles, 25% of executive positions, and 33% of Board seats.

Own Different campaign: celebrate and empower 26,000+ unique individuals
Inclusion & Belonging Strategy & Action Plan 2022–2024; Steering Committees and training programs embedded
Specific focus on gender balance in trades, middle and senior management
EmpowHER women's network; StandOut Global LGBTQIA+ network; Pride Pledge commitment
Māori leadership programmes (Te Ara Whanake, Wāhine Toa), Māori cultural awareness training

Articles

Downer Group Wikipedia

Downer Careers

Downer Investor Presentation

Role

Description

estimating tools

bid preparation

tender governance

team leadership

client relations

project pricing

Drive estimating excellence through robust processes, continuous improvement, and the development of estimating tools.
Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers and partners while contributing to market insights and bid strategy.
Oversee bid preparation including methodology reviews, risk and commercial assessments, and tender governance.
Lead, coach and develop the estimating team to deliver accurate, timely and competitive tender pricing.
Work closely with internal teams to support project pricing, variations, budget development and handover.

Requirements

leadership

collaboration

estimating

analytical

quantity surveying

construction

Exceptional communication and people leadership skills, with commitment to Zero Harm.
Ability to build smart, cost-effective solutions and foster cross-functional collaboration.
Demonstrated experience leading estimating teams and delivering successful tender outcomes.
Strong analytical, commercial and risk assessment capability.
A tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Engineering or similar, plus experience in the construction industry (including 3+ years in an estimating environment).

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package and opportunities for career progression across Downer's trans-Tasman Energy & Utilities network.
Flexible working options and modern office facilities (including on-site parking).
Access to Perks@Downer (discounts on travel, technology, retail, wellbeing and more).
Supportive leadership with a strong focus on team development and succession planning.
Development pathways including THRIVE leadership programs and EmpowHER.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Since 1933

Year Established

The company has a longstanding legacy of providing essential infrastructure services.

specializes in delivering integrated services across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and utilities.
supports both private and public sectors with a diverse portfolio spanning construction, maintenance, and operations.
undertakes large-scale projects such as road construction, rail, energy, and water infrastructure.
has an expansive footprint in Australia and New Zealand, deeply involved in supporting national and regional development.
notable projects include urban transport systems, renewable energy installations, and vital utilities services.
has a strong focus on innovation, utilizing the latest technology to deliver efficient and sustainable solutions.

Culture + Values

The Downer Difference: commitment to build a high-performance organisation
We own the outcomes: accountability, high standards, efficiency and continuous improvement
We do it for our customers: customer-centric perspective, win-win outcomes, going above and beyond
We stand for each other: mutual respect, safety, trust, resilience, speaking up

Environment + Sustainability

50% reduction

Scope 1 & 2 emissions target

The company aims to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032 compared to a 2020 baseline.

1.5°C pathway

Climate alignment target

The company is aligned with a 1.5°C climate pathway, ensuring its operations are in line with global efforts to mitigate climate change.

2024 climate disclosure

Aotearoa NZ Climate Standards compliance

The company will begin disclosing its climate performance in accordance with Aotearoa NZ Climate Standards from 2024.

Scope 3 emissions target under review
Board oversight via multiple committees; monthly reporting includes GHG performance and decarbonisation progress

Inclusion & Diversity

40% Workforce Target

Gender Balance Goals

Targets to achieve 40% women in the workforce, 25% in management, 28% in executive roles, and 40% on the Board by 2026.

34% Women in Workforce

FY21 Representation

In FY21, the workforce was 34% female, with women holding 17% of management roles, 25% of executive positions, and 33% of Board seats.

Own Different campaign: celebrate and empower 26,000+ unique individuals
Inclusion & Belonging Strategy & Action Plan 2022–2024; Steering Committees and training programs embedded
Specific focus on gender balance in trades, middle and senior management
EmpowHER women's network; StandOut Global LGBTQIA+ network; Pride Pledge commitment
Māori leadership programmes (Te Ara Whanake, Wāhine Toa), Māori cultural awareness training

Articles

Downer Group Wikipedia

Downer Careers

Downer Investor Presentation