Construction Estimator

About the Company

Advanced Aquarium Technologies is a dynamic international business, founded and led from Australia, with operations in the USA, China, New Zealand, the Philippines, and a global network of partners and specialists. Our team brings together a unique blend of expertise—from marine biology and animal care to specialist manufacturing, construction, and innovation—united by a shared passion for the global zoo and aquarium sector. Every day, our fast-paced, skilled team collaborates across borders to plan and deliver exceptional projects worldwide.

About the Role

The Senior Construction Estimator – Estimating Systems & Process Lead will take a leadership role within AAT's Estimating team, responsible for developing, managing, and continuously improving AAT's global estimating systems, processes, and tools.

While still actively involved in the preparation of project estimates, this position is designed for an experienced construction estimator who brings both hands-on estimating expertise and proven experience in implementing estimating software and process frameworks within a project-driven construction or manufacturing organization.

The role is both strategic and operational — combining leadership, system development, and direct estimating to enhance consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across AAT's global estimating function.

Responsibilities

Leadership & System Implementation

• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of AAT's estimating systems and process improvements across all project divisions.
• Select, configure, and deploy estimating software solutions, ensuring compatibility with existing project management and accounting systems.
• Develop standardized estimating templates, cost databases, and benchmarking tools.
• Train, mentor, and support estimators and others in the consistent use of estimating tools and workflows.
• Collaborate with IT, Finance, and Engineering to integrate data and reporting between estimating and enterprise systems.
• Establish process documentation and system user manuals to support global standardization.

Estimating Management & Delivery

• Prepare and review cost estimates for design, construction, and manufacturing projects across international markets.
• Analyze project documentation (RFPs, drawings, scopes, specifications) to prepare accurate and comprehensive time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, and project teams to ensure estimates reflect accurate scopes and deliverables.
• Conduct value engineering reviews and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Present detailed cost breakdowns and justifications to senior management and clients.
• Ensure all estimates align with company financial objectives, pricing strategies, and market competitiveness.
• Oversee and mentor junior estimators to ensure consistent and high-quality output.

Process Improvement and Governance

• Develop and enforce estimating procedures, ensuring alignment with ISO standards and AAT's internal quality systems.
• Introduce data-driven estimating practices by leveraging historical cost data and real-time project feedback.
• Audit estimates and project closeouts to validate accuracy and identify improvement opportunities.
• Implement performance metrics to measure estimating accuracy, bid conversion, and system efficiency.

Stakeholder collaboration

• Work closely with the CFO, Project Directors, and the Global Services Centre to ensure alignment between estimating, project cost reporting, and financial controls.
• Partner with procurement to validate vendor pricing and maintain supplier cost libraries.
• Liaise with construction and manufacturing teams to ensure real-world costs and lessons learned are captured and fed back into future estimates.

Ad-Hoc Tasks

• Undertake other tasks and special projects as assigned by senior management.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in construction estimating, including complex EPC or design-build projects.
• Proven experience implementing or managing estimating software systems and databases (e.g., CostX, or equivalent).
• Strong technical understanding of construction materials, methods, and pricing structures.
• Demonstrated experience improving or standardizing estimating processes in a multi-project or global environment.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Strong project documentation and communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Previous experience in a specialist construction or manufacturing environment (e.g., aquatic, architectural, or themed environments).
• Excellent leadership and training skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Career growth pathway with exposure to strategic finance initiatives.
• Be part of growing organisation with an exciting future.