_{04th November, 2026}

A varied estimating role with a growing, family-owned construction company.
 
Kennedy Builders is a well-established, family-owned construction business based in Nelson, operating across Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, the West Coast and Central Otago.
We undertake a diverse range of residential and commercial construction projects, renovations, alterations, maintenance and insurance reinstatement work.
As we continue to grow and expand our private and commercial project portfolio, we're looking for a capable and motivated Construction Estimator to join our Nelson team.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys the variety of working in a small to medium-sized construction business, has a practical understanding of how projects come together, and wants to make a genuine contribution to a growing business.
 
About the role
Working closely with our Managing Director and Project Managers, you'll play a key role in estimating and pricing a broad range of construction projects, while helping us develop and improve our estimating systems and processes.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing accurate, competitive and commercially sound estimates, quotations and tenders.
• Reviewing plans, specifications and scopes of work, including site visits and quantity take-offs.
• Obtaining and coordinating supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Assessing project costs, margins and risks to ensure competitive and profitable pricing.
• Developing and improving estimating systems, templates and pricing processes.
• Working alongside Project Managers to ensure smooth handovers from estimating through to project delivery.
• Building positive relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Supporting the identification of new tender opportunities and helping develop our forward pipeline of work.

 
About you
We're looking for someone with strong practical construction knowledge, good commercial judgement and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
Ideally, you'll bring:

• Experience in construction estimating, building or project management, preferably within residential and/or commercial construction.
• A sound understanding of construction methods, materials, labour requirements and project costs.
• The ability to interpret plans, scope, measure and price construction work.
• Experience preparing quotations or tenders and coordinating subcontractor pricing.
• Good commercial awareness, including an understanding of costs, margins and profitability.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Confidence using Excel and construction or estimating software.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wider team.

 
Experience working within a small to medium-sized construction business would be advantageous, as would some project management experience.
 
We're more interested in your practical experience, attitude and ability than a particular qualification or career pathway. You might already be working as an estimator, or you may come from a building or project management background with solid estimating experience.
 
Most importantly, you'll be someone who takes ownership, enjoys solving problems and can balance attention to detail with the bigger picture.
 
Why join Kennedy Builders?
We're a family-owned business with a strong local reputation, a supportive team and a diverse portfolio of work.
We offer:

• A varied role across residential, commercial and reinstatement projects.
• The opportunity to help shape and improve our estimating systems and processes.
• A collaborative, down-to-earth team environment.
• Direct involvement with an experienced construction management team.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth as the business continues to expand.
• Competitive remuneration reflecting experience and capability.

 
Location: Nelson-based, with occasional travel to other regions as required.
 
If you're looking for a varied, hands-on estimating role where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
 
For confidential enquiries, please contact Sacha MacDonald 027-386-9288 or alternatively you may apply with your cover letter and resume via our application portal.  All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence.
 
Applications close: 25th November 2026

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