Project Estimator

Whakatakoto te tūāpapa | Laying the foundation

At Contact, we’re not just powering homes — we’re powering the future of Aotearoa. Our Major Projects team is at the forefront of this transformation, delivering large-scale renewable energy projects that support our mission to decarbonise the motu. From geothermal expansions to new energy infrastructure, we’re investing in the kind of mahi that will shape the next generation of energy in New Zealand.

With a strong pipeline of capital projects on the horizon, including significant geothermal developments and other renewable initiatives, our team is growing. We work closely with iwi and industry partners to ensure our projects deliver value beyond the obvious — creating jobs, protecting the environment, and building a more sustainable future for all.

Now, we’re looking for a Project Estimator to help us lay the financial foundations for these ambitious builds.

Job Description

Te āhua o te tūranga | The nature of the role

This is a role where your mahi will truly matter. As our Project Estimator, you’ll be responsible for preparing and managing cost estimates across the full project lifecycle — from early concept (FEL1) through to execution. You’ll bring structure and clarity to complex projects, ensuring our estimates are robust, transparent, and aligned with both our strategic goals and industry best practice.

You’ll collaborate with engineers, project managers, procurement, and cost controllers to develop multi-discipline estimates, lead assurance reviews, and support cost control throughout delivery. You’ll also help build and maintain a historical cost database, contribute to continuous improvement, and ensure our estimates reflect real-world risks and opportunities. It’s a role that blends technical expertise with strategic thinking — and offers the chance to be part of something big.

Qualifications

Ko wai koe | About you

You thrive in complexity and bring clarity to every challenge. Ideally, you hold a tertiary qualification in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field — or have equivalent practical experience that’s taught you the ropes. With 10+ years of experience in project estimating, you’re confident navigating FEL stages and have a solid track record working with Class 5 through to Class 1 estimates on large infrastructure or capital projects.

You’re a strong communicator, a natural collaborator, and always looking for ways to improve systems and outcomes. You’re skilled in using estimating tools such as CostX, WinEst, or Excel, and have experience leading assurance reviews and developing historical cost databases. Experience in the renewable energy sector is a bonus — but if you’re passionate about supporting Aotearoa’s transition to a low‑carbon future and believe you can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.”

Additional Information

This is a fixed term opportunity through to 30 June 2027.

Along with great leadership, teammates, development, and growth and progression opportunities there are a number of benefits of being a fixed term kaimahi for Contact Energy.

Applications close 5pm on Friday the 5th of September

Here at Contact Energy (Te Mata Hiko), we know our strength lies in developing a sense of belonging - one that helps us attract and retain people with a broad range of perspectives and experiences.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our customers and communities to help build a better Aotearoa New Zealand.

We have a rich community of talented people that we support to thrive at Contact.

Our inclusive hiring process is designed to embrace the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are included in our decision‑making and helping reduce bias along the way.

The wellbeing of our kaimahi is super important to us.

We use employee insights to offer a range of initiatives and resources to support physical, mental, financial and emotional wellbeing – including flexible working arrangements, employee network groups and a market‑leading parental leave policy.

At Te Mata Hiko, we want everyone to thrive. We welcome applicants far and wide—of every age, stage, background, and pride. Join us and be part of a team that values your passion and attitude just as much as your experience and skills.

Please note, only candidates with the right to live and work in New Zealand will be considered for this role.

Research shows that while men apply to jobs where they meet 60% of the criteria, women and those in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they tick every box. We're not about box ticking, so if you think you have what it takes but don't meet everything stated above, please still get in touch. We'd love to kōrero.

Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) does not accept any CVs received from recruitment agencies where a formal engagement has not been confirmed and agreed to with our Talent team. In the event that unsolicited CVs are submitted by recruitment agencies, Te Mata Hiko (Contact Energy) reserves the right to contact these candidates directly and consider them for current / future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency in question. This will also apply to any CVs sent directly to line managers.

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