Senior Construction Estimator

Residential | Lifestyle Villages | Multi-Residential Construction

We are looking for an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Cairns team and take ownership of estimating and pricing across a diverse portfolio of construction projects.

This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who understands that good estimating is about more than producing a number. You will be responsible for ensuring our pricing is accurate, commercially sound and supported by strong relationships with the subcontractors and suppliers we rely on to deliver our projects.

Our work ranges from individual residential homes through to large-scale Lifestyle Village developments and multi-residential apartment projects, providing plenty of variety and exposure to projects of significantly different size and complexity.

Based in our Cairns office, you will take responsibility for estimating and pricing across our construction portfolio, working closely with management, construction, drafting and administration teams.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Take ownership of project pricing from initial estimating through to construction.

• Prepare detailed estimates, budgets and cost plans for individual homes, Lifestyle Village projects and apartment developments.

• Review architectural, engineering and construction documentation to ensure pricing is complete and accurate.

• Prepare and issue subcontractor and supplier tender packages.

• Obtain, review and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with our subcontractors and suppliers.

• Develop and maintain reliable trade and supplier pricing across our projects.

• Identify gaps, inconsistencies and commercial risks within plans, specifications and pricing before construction.

• Prepare accurate scopes of work and ensure subcontractor pricing reflects the full project requirements.

• Work closely with our construction team to ensure estimates and work orders accurately reflect what is required on site.

• Work with our estimating and drafting teams to identify documentation or pricing issues before they become construction issues.

• Review project costs and actual results against estimates to continually improve pricing accuracy.

• Assist with pricing variations and changes throughout construction where required.

• Maintain accurate estimating records, rates and cost information.

A major focus of this role is building and maintaining strong relationships with our suppliers and subcontractors.

We want our Senior Estimator to know the local market, understand current trade and material pricing and maintain regular communication with the people who help us deliver our projects.

You will be expected to develop strong relationships, negotiate confidently and work collaboratively with our trade and supplier network to achieve competitive, accurate and sustainable pricing.

For this reason, this position is based in our Cairns office. This is not a remote estimating position. We are looking for someone who will become an integral part of our team and our local construction network.

We are looking for someone who can genuinely take ownership of the estimating function and has the confidence and experience to manage pricing across a broad range of projects.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Significant estimating experience within the building and construction industry.

• Strong knowledge of residential construction, trades, materials and construction methodology.

• Experience estimating larger residential, multi-residential or commercial projects will be highly regarded.

• Exceptional computer skills and a high level of confidence working across multiple software platforms.

• Strong experience using a range of building, estimating, take-off and construction management software programs, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems.

• The ability to work efficiently across multiple programs and systems as part of the estimating and construction process.

• Strong commercial awareness and excellent attention to detail.

• The ability to read and interpret architectural, engineering and construction documentation.

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

• The confidence to deal directly with subcontractors and suppliers and build long-term working relationships.

• A practical understanding of construction and how estimating decisions translate to site.

• The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

• A high level of accountability and the ability to work independently.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work. You will be expected to understand your projects, know your numbers and proactively identify and resolve pricing issues rather than simply process estimates.

This is an opportunity to take on a senior estimating role with exposure to a much broader range of projects than a traditional residential estimating position.

You will work across individual homes, large-scale Lifestyle Village construction and multi-residential apartment developments, with genuine responsibility for the commercial accuracy of our pricing.

You will work closely with senior management and our construction team and have the opportunity to influence how projects are priced, procured and delivered.

A highly competitive salary package will be offered and negotiated based on the experience and capability of the successful applicant.

If you are an experienced estimator looking for a senior role where you can take genuine ownership of pricing and become an important part of a growing construction business, we would like to hear from you.

Please apply through SEEK with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant estimating experience.

If you are relocating to Cairns, please include some information about your relocation plans and expected timeframe.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence.