Construction Estimator

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Salary: >$100,000

Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position

AC Australian Centre We are seeking a Construction Estimator to prepare and deliver estimates and internal cost plans for modular, off-site and conventional residential projects from preliminary feasibility through design development and tender settlement. The role will analyse drawings and specifications, undertake quantity take-offs, obtain and assess non-binding quotations, prepare project budgets, develop landed-cost models for imported modular products, estimate procurement and delivery timeframes and provide value-engineering and commercial recommendations.

Following tender settlement, the role may maintain internal, non-certifying cost records and compare approved estimates against committed and actual project costs for management reporting. Benefits Task & responsibilities Interpret architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, the National Construction Code and applicable Australian Standards for estimating and cost-planning purposes. Assist construction managers, registered builders, architects, engineers and surveyors in the planning and organisation of construction projects by providing estimates, internal cost plans, procurement lead times, construction time-scale estimates and other cost and program inputs.

The position does not direct, manage or supervise building work Prepare preliminary, detailed and tender estimates, internal cost plans and project budgets for residential, modular and off-site construction projects. Undertake quantity take-offs and prepare internal estimating schedules, bills of materials and material, labour, plant, subcontractor and preliminaries allowances. Obtain, evaluate and compare non-binding quotations from registered builders, subcontractors, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers; identify inclusions, exclusions, assumptions and pricing gaps; and prepare recommendations for feasibility, budgeting and tender-comparison purposes.

Prepare modular landed-cost models incorporating factory pricing, freight, customs, handling, exchange-rate allowances, local transport and delivery costs. Estimate procurement, manufacturing, transport, delivery and construction timeframes and identify cost and program risks. Estimate the potential budget and timeframe impact of design development, substitutions and proposed scope changes, without valuing or approving contractual variations or determining contractual entitlement.

Support value engineering by comparing alternative materials, systems, suppliers and construction methodologies on a cost and time basis. Maintain internal comparisons of approved estimates against committed and actual costs and prepare management cost-control and exception reports, without valuing completed building work or certifying progress claims or payments. Maintain supplier, subcontractor and historical project-cost databases and contribute to standard estimating templates and benchmarks.

Undertake occasional site visits solely to gather and verify dimensions, quantities, site conditions, delivered-material information and other factual inputs required for estimates and internal cost reports. Qualification & experience Diploma or higher qualification in Building and Construction, Construction Management, Construction Estimating, Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline, or an equivalent qualification. Current Construction Induction Card (White Card), or willingness to obtain one before attending a construction site.

Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in construction estimating, building estimating, cost planning or a combined construction, engineering or project-delivery role in which estimating and cost-planning responsibilities formed a substantial component Demonstrated experience interpreting construction drawings and specifications and preparing quantities, estimates and budgets. Experience obtaining and analysing supplier, subcontractor, builder or manufacturer quotations. Strong spreadsheet, numerical, analytical, written communication and record-management skills.

Experience with spreadsheet, estimating, take-off or construction-management software such as Microsoft Excel, Buildxact, CostX, Cubit, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project or equivalent tools. Desirable experience Residential, rooming-accommodation, modular, prefabricated or off-site construction. Imported building products, freight, landed-cost analysis or overseas-manufacturer coordination.

Cost monitoring, value engineering, procurement analysis or tender comparison. About Company Core Advisory Pty Ltd is an Australian property advisory and project-services business specialising in residential investment and rooming-accommodation projects. The business provides feasibility analysis, project cost planning, procurement analysis and modular/off-site project advisory services.

It supports Victorian residential projects at feasibility, design, tender and procurement stages and works with Australian architects, engineers, registered builders, suppliers and overseas manufacturers. Work Type: Full time Salary: $90000-110000 Job Publish: 04-08-2026 Job Expire: 03-09-2026 Apply on: Construction Estimator Job here! This job is brought to you by workinitiatives.com.au.