Estimator / Quantity Surveyor

About the Role

Join Grounded Company HQ Ltd, an award-winning Māori-owned civil construction firm based in Whanganui, New Zealand. This position offers the opportunity to escape the stresses of big-city living and develop your career in a supportive, close-knit environment. You'll be instrumental in pricing a broad range of civil infrastructure projects including drainage, earthworks, roading, and subdivisions, all within a practical and people-focused culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop precise estimates and quantity take-offs from construction plans and specifications.
• Calculate costs for labour, equipment, materials, subcontractors, traffic management, permits, and overheads.
• Obtain pricing from suppliers and subcontractors, identifying scope gaps, risks, and possible variations.
• Prepare comprehensive tender submissions, including methodologies, clarifications, and exclusions.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect the build process.
• Support procurement activities, cost control measures, and conduct post-project reviews.
• Enhance estimating systems, update rates, templates, and refine tender processes to improve efficiency.

Required Attributes and Experience

• Strong numerical aptitude with solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Competence in interpreting civil construction plans, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Commercially astute with the ability to identify both potential risks and opportunities.
• Highly organised and capable of managing multiple estimating tasks simultaneously with accuracy.
• Experience in civil construction, across drainage, earthworks, roading, three waters, quantity surveying, or estimating is strongly preferred.
• Practical understanding of civil construction processes is considered a significant advantage.
• Alignment with the values of a family-oriented, Māori-owned business that emphasizes accountability, teamwork, and respect.

Additional Information

This role offers direct collaboration with company owners, providing genuine influence over tender selection, risk pricing, system enhancements, and strategic directions. The company is expanding its capability to undertake larger and more complex projects, offering strong potential for growth within the position.

Location and Lifestyle Benefits

Based in Whanganui, enjoy a lifestyle with minimal commute, affordable housing options including spacious lifestyle properties, and close proximity to recreational opportunities such as river, beach, mountain, bush, fishing, hunting, and cycling activities.

Compensation and Perks

• Competitive base salary up to NZD 130,000 annually, subject to experience.
• Performance bonus potential up to NZD 10,000.
• Relocation assistance up to NZD 3,000 for the right candidate.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• A supportive, fun, and down-to-earth team environment with social events and a strong commitment to work-life balance.

Application Details

Interested candidates should apply by 10 September 2026. Contact details: Email the hiring manager directly to express interest.