Senior Estimator

McMahon Services is one of Australia's largest privately owned construction, industrial and environmental services organisations, employing more than 1,300 people across Australia.

Our Building & Construction team delivers complex Defence, Government and commercial projects across Australia. We have built our reputation on quality, collaboration and certainty of delivery, while investing in our people through genuine career development and long-term opportunities.

Why Adelaide?

Looking for a lifestyle change without putting your career on hold?

Adelaide offers the perfect balance of exciting career opportunities and an exceptional quality of life. Spend less time commuting and more time enjoying everything South Australia has to offer. Experience the atmosphere of Gather Round, LIV Golf Adelaide and the world-famous Adelaide Fringe Festival, spend weekends exploring the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, or discover some of Australia's best wineries, distilleries, restaurants and beaches.

With affordable housing, short commute times and a thriving construction industry, Adelaide offers the opportunity to build an outstanding career while enjoying a lifestyle that's hard to beat.

Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

About the Role

McMahon Services is seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Building & Construction team at our Head Office in Dry Creek, South Australia.

Reporting to the Estimating Manager, you'll play a key role in delivering high-value tenders ranging from $1 million to $50 million, working closely with project teams and senior stakeholders to secure major Defence, Government and commercial projects.

Beyond preparing winning tenders, you'll have the opportunity to influence project outcomes, mentor developing estimators and contribute to the continued growth and success of our Building & Construction business.

Don't let the title put you off we know great estimators come from different backgrounds. If you're currently working as a Building Estimator or Quantity Surveyor with 2–5 years' experience and are ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you. If you have strong commercial acumen, enjoy solving complex problems and are eager to continue developing your skills, we'll provide the mentoring and support to help you grow into the role.

What You'll Do

• Lead tender planning, quantity take-offs and first-principles estimates.
• Review RFT documentation and develop competitive tender strategies.
• Prepare and manage RFQs while analysing subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure safety, quality and compliance are embedded throughout the estimating process.
• Review historical project performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Mentor and support junior estimators within the team.
• Contribute to successful project handovers following tender award.

What You'll Bring

• Experience in commercial building estimating or quantity surveying.
• Ideally 3+ years' minimum experience estimating commercial construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and project cost drivers.
• Experience using CostX or similar estimating software.
• Excellent commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Sound understanding of Australian Standards and WHS requirements.

What Will Set You Apart

• Tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Experience estimating Defence, Government or large commercial building projects.
• Experience preparing first-principles estimates.
• Established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• A collaborative mindset and a passion for continuous improvement and mentoring others.

Why Join McMahon Services?

• Lead the delivery of major Defence, Government and commercial tenders.
• Genuine opportunity to influence project wins and business growth.
• Work alongside an experienced and collaborative team that values knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Long-term career progression within one of Australia's leading privately owned construction companies.
• Competitive remuneration package and employee benefits.
• Relocation assistance available for interstate candidates.
• Enjoy Adelaide's unbeatable lifestyle—from Gather Round, LIV Golf Adelaide and the Adelaide Fringe Festival to world-class wineries, distilleries, beaches and renowned food and wine regions—all without the long commutes of larger capital cities.
• This is a permanent Adelaide-based opportunity and is not offered on a FIFO basis.

Ready to Make Adelaide Home?

Whether you're an experienced Senior Estimator, a Building Estimator ready to step up, or a Quantity Surveyor looking to move into a contractor environment, we'd love to hear from you.

If you're ready to build your career with one of Australia's leading construction companies while enjoying everything Adelaide has to offer, apply today and join McMahon Services.

No recruitment agencies please.

At McMahon Services, we embrace diversity and inclusion as fundamental values. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation, creativity and a deeper understanding of the communities we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.