Estimating Manager – Energy & Infrastructure | Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane
- Lead and develop a team of estimators for major infrastructure projects.
- Oversee the preparation of accurate and competitive project estimates.
- Collaborate with various teams to ensure quality and consistency in tender submissions.
Estimating Manager – Energy & Infrastructure | Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane
Location: Sydney NSW / Melbourne VIC / Brisbane QLD, Australia
Job Type: Permanent | Full-time
Role Overview
An established Australian energy and infrastructure organisation is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead and strengthen its estimating capability across a portfolio of major infrastructure projects. With continued investment in electricity networks, transmission infrastructure and renewable energy development, this is an opportunity to take on a senior leadership position in a technically complex and commercially significant environment.
Working closely with operational, commercial, engineering and project delivery leaders, you will oversee the estimating function, improve the consistency and quality of project estimates, and provide commercial assurance throughout the tender and bid lifecycle. The role requires an effective people leader who can develop capability, challenge assumptions and ensure estimating decisions support sustainable project delivery and business performance.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, coach and develop a team of experienced estimators, building a collaborative and accountable working environment.
Oversee the preparation and review of accurate, commercially competitive and risk-adjusted estimates for major energy and infrastructure projects.
Provide leadership across the tendering and bid management lifecycle, ensuring quality, consistency and commercial discipline.
Challenge estimating methodologies, pricing assumptions, cost inputs, contingencies and risk allowances to strengthen commercial outcomes.
Collaborate with engineering, construction, procurement, commercial and project delivery teams to develop robust tender submissions.
Support commercial strategy, bid reviews, pricing decisions and governance processes.
Establish and maintain effective estimating frameworks, systems, processes and reporting standards.
Build strong working relationships with senior stakeholders across operational, delivery and commercial functions.
Identify opportunities to improve estimating efficiency, bid quality, risk management and commercial performance.
Ensure estimating activities align with relevant contractual, safety, quality and governance requirements.
Provide strategic input into project opportunities, tender evaluations and commercial risk assessments.
Support the development of estimating capability across major transmission, utilities and energy infrastructure projects.
About You
We are interested in speaking with experienced leaders who have developed their careers across infrastructure, energy, utilities, engineering, construction or major project environments.
While a strong background in estimating will be valuable, we are equally interested in candidates who bring broader commercial, pre-contracts or project delivery leadership experience.
Ideally, you will offer:
Demonstrated leadership experience in an Estimating Manager, Head of Estimating, Pre-Contracts Manager, Commercial Manager or senior project delivery position.
Proven ability to lead, develop and bring together technically capable teams.
Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to challenge estimates, pricing methodologies and project assumptions.
Experience supporting major project tenders, bid submissions, contract pricing and commercial risk assessments.
A practical understanding of infrastructure construction, engineering, utilities or energy project delivery.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence commercial and operational decisions at senior levels.
Experience improving estimating processes, systems, governance frameworks and team performance.
Sound understanding of cost forecasting, contract structures, procurement and risk allocation.
The ability to balance technical detail with broader commercial and strategic considerations.
Clear communication skills, sound judgement and a measured, collaborative leadership style.
Experience across electricity transmission, substations, Renewable Energy Zones, major utilities or engineering, procurement and construction projects will be highly regarded.
Importantly, this is not simply a technical estimating position.
We are looking for someone who can lead people, build trust across the business and bring commercial discipline to complex decisions. You will understand how good estimating supports competitive tenders, manageable project risk and successful delivery outcomes.
Why Apply
Leadership with purpose: Take responsibility for developing a capable estimating function and strengthening commercial performance.
Major infrastructure exposure: Contribute to complex energy, transmission and utilities projects supporting Australia's evolving infrastructure requirements.
Executive engagement: Work closely with senior operational, commercial and project delivery leaders to influence important business decisions.
Opportunity to improve capability: Shape estimating methodologies, team development, governance and consistent approaches across the function.
Long-term career value: Further develop your leadership experience within a specialised and technically demanding infrastructure environment.
Location flexibility: Opportunity to be considered from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, providing access to experienced professionals across Australia's eastern states.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Estimating Manager, Estimation Manager, Head of Estimating or Pre-Contracts Leader considering your next career move within Australia's energy and infrastructure sector, Aequalis Consulting welcomes a confidential conversation.
We are particularly interested in speaking with commercially astute leaders who have successfully managed teams, supported complex tendering environments and contributed to profitable project outcomes.
Whether you are actively considering a new position or simply interested in exploring the next stage of your leadership career, we welcome a discreet discussion about your experience and aspirations.
Please submit your application or contact Aequalis Consulting to discuss the opportunity in confidence.
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