Senior Estimator

About the role

IMF Steel Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our team at the Rutherford facility. This role takes a lead position in project pricing, tender preparation, and cost planning — offering an excellent opportunity for a senior industry professional to shape estimating strategy and play a key role in securing and setting up successful projects. Reporting to Director of Growth and Strategy, and working closely with Project Managers, the Workshop Manager, suppliers, subcontractors, and clients, you will lead the development of accurate tenders and costings that support efficient project delivery, profitability, and quality outcomes — while providing guidance and review support to other estimating staff.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the review and interpretation of client documentation, drawings, and specifications to prepare accurate, conforming, and competitive tenders.

• Develop detailed costings for fabrication, erection, cranes, access equipment, and site labour, including for complex or high-value projects.

• Prepare estimates, quotes, and proposals through detailed analysis of subcontractor and supplier pricing.

• Liaise with and negotiate directly with suppliers and subcontractors to secure competitive, reliable pricing.

• Review client designs for constructability, omissions, risks, and cost-saving opportunities, providing early input during design development.

• Identify scope gaps and clarify inclusions and exclusions within tenders, mitigating commercial risk before submission.

• Maintain and continuously improve estimating records, cost databases, and pricing benchmarks.

• Lead tender handovers to project delivery teams, ensuring a smooth transition from estimate to execution.

• Provide senior cost advice and strategic input to management during project planning and business development, drawing on established relationships with our key client base to support repeat work and new opportunities.

• Mentor and review the work of estimating team members, supporting their development.

About you

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within steel fabrication, construction, or engineering.

• Minimum 8–10 years' industry-specific experience, including tendering for complex or large-scale structural steel projects.

• Deep understanding of structural steel fabrication and erection methodologies.

• Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key clients, supporting business development and repeat engagement.

• Formal qualifications in Engineering, Construction, or a related discipline (preferred).

• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and computer literacy skills (MS Office, CAD, estimating software).

• High attention to detail with a solutions-based, commercially minded approach.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with clients, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent tenders, prioritise under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Highly attractive remuneration package, commensurate with experience.

• Competitive remuneration package reflecting seniority and experience.

• A senior, high-visibility role with genuine influence over estimating strategy.

• Career development within a growing and well-established organisation.

• A supportive team culture with a strong pipeline of work.

About us

IMF Group is a privately owned Australian engineering and steel fabrication business based in the Hunter Valley, NSW. With over 80 highly skilled personnel, we specialise in the fabrication and erection of structural steel for the infrastructure, industrial, commercial, and mining sectors.