Senior Lead Estimator Role - Civil Construction Career in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
The Lead Estimator role at Complex represents a strong mid-to-senior career step in the civil construction sector. With 60+ years of operation, Complex is an established, stable employer — a green flag for job security and access to diverse, large-scale projects.
Career Development Signals:
- The mentoring component (supporting junior and mid-level estimators) builds leadership skills that are a prerequisite for senior management roles such as Estimating Manager or Pre-Construction Director
- Exposure to complex civil tenders across the built environment develops broad, transferable skills highly valued in infrastructure, government contracting, and project development sectors
- Proficiency in Benchmark, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Project are industry-standard tools that strengthen your market value across Australian and international construction markets
Compensation Context: No salary is listed, which can be a mild red flag. For a Lead Estimator with 5+ years' experience in Canberra — where government infrastructure projects drive strong demand — market rates typically range from AUD $130,000 to $170,000+ per annum. Candidates should negotiate accordingly.
Work-Life Balance: Construction estimating is known for deadline-intensive periods around tender submissions. The role explicitly mentions managing multiple tenders and competing deadlines, suggesting a fast-paced environment. No mention of flexible hours, remote work, or wellness benefits, so candidates should clarify these during interviews.
Overall, this is a solid opportunity for an experienced estimator ready to step into a leadership capacity within a reputable firm.
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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