Job Description

Are you a Civil Quantity Surveyor who knows your numbers, understands how projects are built, and isn't afraid to get your boots dirty?

323 Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and respected civil construction contractor based in Cambridge, Waikato.

Our client has built a strong reputation for delivering quality civil infrastructure projects, including residential subdivisions, bulk earthworks, stormwater and wastewater drainage, roading, concrete works and general civil construction.

With a great team, experienced leadership and a strong focus on delivering quality work, they're looking for an experienced Civil Quantity Surveyor / Estimator to join the business.

This isn't your typical 9-to-5, desk-bound QS position. We're looking for someone who enjoys getting involved, understands what's happening on site, and can confidently take ownership of the commercial and tendering side of a project.

You'll work directly alongside the two directors, playing an important role in securing new work and ensuring projects are accurately priced, commercially viable and delivered successfully.

The Role – What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing detailed estimates, take-offs and schedules of quantities (SOQs) for civil construction projects.

• Managing the tendering process from initial documentation review through to final submission.

• Reviewing civil drawings, specifications and tender documentation to identify project scope, risks and opportunities.

• Accurately pricing labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and project-specific requirements.

• Preparing complete tender packages, including pricing schedules, supplier quotations, clarifications, exclusions and commercial allowances.

• Assessing project costs, margins, profitability and commercial risks.

• Presenting and explaining tender pricing, methodologies and commercial recommendations to the directors before submission.

• Liaising with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing.

• Supporting project cost reporting, budget monitoring, variations and commercial management.

• Working closely with project managers, supervisors and site teams to understand construction methodology, productivity and actual project costs.

• Visiting sites regularly to review progress, understand construction challenges and support the wider team.

• Completing project cost reviews and identifying opportunities to improve future tender pricing and profitability.

What We're Looking For

We're after someone with solid civil construction experience who can hit the ground running.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• 5+ years' experience in quantity surveying and/or estimating within the civil construction industry.

• Proven experience pricing subdivisions, drainage, bulk earthworks, concrete works and general civil infrastructure.

• Strong understanding of civil construction methodologies, productivity rates, labour, plant and material costs.

• Confidence preparing accurate SOQs, take-offs, cost estimates and full tender submissions.

• Sound commercial knowledge, particularly around margins, cost control, variations and profitability.

• Ability to review drawings, identify discrepancies and make well-reasoned commercial decisions.

• Experience working with subcontractors, suppliers and construction delivery teams.

• Strong communication skills and the confidence to explain and justify your pricing to senior management.

• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage tender deadlines.

• A practical, solutions-focused attitude and genuine willingness to be part of the wider team.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who fits the culture.

Someone who's approachable, down-to-earth, takes pride in their work and understands that successful civil construction is a team effort.

You don't need to know absolutely everything, but you do need to have a strong technical foundation, take ownership of your work and be willing to continue learning.

What's On Offer?

• $100,000 – $130,000 salary, depending on experience.

• Company ute.

• Laptop and additional employment benefits.

• Permanent, full-time position based in Cambridge, Waikato.

• Opportunity to work directly alongside two experienced directors.

• Exposure to a wide range of civil construction projects.

• Supportive, close-knit team with a positive working culture.

• Genuine opportunities for professional development and career growth.

• The freedom to take ownership of your work and make a real difference within the business.

Why This Opportunity?

This is a great opportunity for a capable Civil QS who wants more than simply sitting behind a computer producing numbers.

You'll have direct involvement in tender decisions, commercial discussions and project delivery, with the opportunity to see how your estimates translate into real work on site.

Our client values people who contribute, share their knowledge, support their teammates and take pride in delivering a quality result.

If you know civil construction, understand your margins and quantities, and enjoy being part of a hardworking team, we'd like to hear from you.

Interested? Let's Have a Chat.

At 323 Recruitment, we specialise in civil construction and infrastructure recruitment. With firsthand industry experience, we understand the technical requirements of these roles and the importance of finding the right fit for both the candidate and the business.

If you're considering your next move, or simply want a confidential discussion about the opportunity, get in touch with Dan at 323 Recruitment.

Email: Dan@323.co.nz
Mobile: 0211985257

All enquiries will be treated confidentially