Metal Fabrication Estimator

The role focuses on preparing accurate, detailed estimates for architectural metalwork, custom fabrication, and specialist construction packages, covering materials, fabrication, finishing, transport, and installation.

This is a hands-on estimating role requiring strong construction and fabrication knowledge, practical judgment, and commercial awareness. You will work closely with experienced construction, fabrication, and delivery professionals while taking increasing ownership of larger and more complex tenders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review architectural, structural, and fabrication drawings, specifications, schedules, revisions, and tender documentation.
• Prepare digital take-offs and detailed, itemized estimates covering materials, cutting, folding, welding, machining, assembly, workshop labour, finishes, transport, site access, installation, and subcontractors.
• Prepare complete tender documentation, including assumptions, qualifications, exclusions, clarifications, and scope breakdowns.
• Assess buildability, installation methodology, access, sequencing, interfaces, site labour, logistics, and program constraints.
• Identify omissions, drawing conflicts, unclear requirements, procurement issues, and commercial or margin risks before submission.
• Obtain, review, and test supplier and subcontractor quotations against the required scope.
• Work with senior stakeholders on bid strategy, value engineering, and alternative solutions.
• Maintain clear, auditable estimating workings and communicate progress, questions, and uncertainty early.
• Support accurate handover from estimating into project delivery.
• Maintain cost libraries and pricing models, review estimate-to-actual outcomes, and improve digital, automated, and AI-assisted estimating workflows.

IMPORTANT FIT FOR THE ROLE

This role requires hands-on contractor or subcontractor estimating experience for fabrication and installation packages. It is not suited to candidates whose background is primarily client-side quantity surveying, consultant cost management, budget reporting, or cost planning without direct tender-pricing responsibility.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven estimating experience in architectural metalwork, structural or miscellaneous steel, stainless steel, aluminum, sheet metal, specialist fabrication, or similar subcontractor work.
• Proven ability to prepare complete, detailed, and auditable estimates, not only take-offs, budgets, or cost reports.
• Strong ability to interpret architectural, structural, and fabrication drawings, specifications, and revisions.
• Practical understanding of fabrication and installation, including cutting, folding, welding, machining, finishing, assembly, access, sequencing, labor, and logistics.
• Strong commercial judgment and checking discipline, with the ability to identify scope gaps, buildability concerns, and tender risks.
• Strong Excel skills and excellent written and verbal English.
• Self-directed and accountable, with the ability to manage priorities, explain estimating logic, and raise concerns early.
• Experience collaborating with project managers, designers, production teams, suppliers, and subcontractors.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience pricing work in New Zealand or Australian construction markets.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, CostX, AutoCAD, Revit, or ERP systems such as Ostendo are advantageous.
• Experience with commercial, infrastructure, corrections, high-security, or data-center projects.
• Interest in process automation, digital estimating, and practical use of AI tools.

Tools to Use:

• Excel
• Bluebeam Revu
• PlanSwift
• CostX
• AutoCAD
• Revit
• ERP systems

The client is a New Zealand-based specialist metal design and fabrication company producing bespoke solutions in mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The company delivers end-to-end design, engineering, and fabrication services for architectural, construction, and commercial projects across New Zealand.

At Hunt St, we help Australian companies hire top remote talent in the Philippines. This role will be formally employed through an Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement, allowing you to work from home.