Chief Estimator – Civil Infrastructure

2 weeks ago

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia CMC Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

More than just number crunching, this is a pivotal leadership role not to be missed.


About Us

CMC is a 100% Australian owned, privately run civil contractor. With a strong focus on people, culture, and services, we are proud of our 20 year legacy delivering multi-million-dollar civil works across Queensland and NSW. Our exceptional people deliver exceptional outcomes because they are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. Apply today and be part of our future success story.

About the role

We are seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our Pre-Contracts estimating function.

Reporting directly to the Executive Manager – Pre-Contracts, this is a pivotal leadership role driving the accuracy, competitiveness, and risk management of our bids across major road, bridge, earthworks, and drainage projects.

You will oversee a talented team of Senior Estimators and Estimators, embedding first-principles estimating excellence, developing staff capability, and ensuring our submissions are both commercially sharp and strategically aligned.

This role is more than number-crunching – you will partner with Operations, Finance, and Executive leadership to shape bid strategy, engage with clients, and lead negotiations with subcontractors and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead estimating activities for all CMC civil infrastructure projects;
  • Deliver accurate, competitive, and risk-assessed first-principles cost estimates;
  • Mentor and develop your team, building career pathways and technical excellence;
  • Benchmark costs, monitor industry trends, and strengthen supply chain relationships;
  • Partner with senior stakeholders to shape winning bid strategies;
  • Represent estimating at pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and negotiations.
About you

To lead our talented team you will need the following:

  • Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or equivalent;
  • 10–15+ years' experience in civil infrastructure estimating;
  • Proven first-principles estimating and cost modelling expertise;
  • Strong networks in subcontractor/supplier markets across QLD & NSW;
  • Commercial and financial acumen, with ability to balance competitiveness and value;
  • Leadership experience managing estimating teams within a contractor environment;
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

It would be highly desirable if you also had the following:

  • Experience with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors.
  • Proficiency with Expert Estimator (and ideally P6).
  • Postgraduate or professional chartership (AIQS, RPEQ, CPEng).
Interested?

Great. Let's talk.

Please submit your application now.

If you have any questions before applying, please reach out to our internal recruiter, Amanda Datchens, at

We respect your time and interest so you will receive a response, whether shortlisted or not.

Please note that unfortunately visa sponsorship is not offered for this role.

Therefore you will need to be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or have a current valid visa allowing you the right to work in Australia to apply for this position.

At CMC, we celebrate diversity in all its forms and believe it makes us stronger. We warmly welcome people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and identities to apply and join us in building an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Strictly no agency emails or calls please – CV's and/or introductions will not be accepted or acknowledged for this role. Thank you for respecting our internal recruitment process. Our preferred suppliers will be contacted directly if necessary.

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