Building Estimator

Clinton Recruitment Pty Ltd.; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Clinton Recruitment Pty Ltd. is seeking an Estimator for a nationally recognised building contractor in Sydney. The role focuses on early contractor involvement and cost planning for bids across large-scale projects.

You will lead tenders from $50M–$70M and work toward opportunities up to $200M+. The ideal candidate brings a builder’s mindset, 3D visualization, and strong collaboration with design and delivery teams to turn concepts into award-winning outcomes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to cost plan with limited information during early project stages.
• Solid background in hard dollar tendering with competitive pricing.
• Understanding of Lump Sum, D&C, Construct Only, Managing Contractor and ECI models.
• Skilled at independently measuring quantities without external BQ reliance.
• Experience across multiple sectors showing adaptability and versatility.
• Driven to achieve successful project outcomes and wins.
• Team oriented, collaborative and lead-by-example in a project team.
• Strong communication to present ideas in client meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead bids from $50M–$70M, scaling up to $200M+ with autonomy.
• Collaborate with design managers and delivery teams to translate concepts into award-winning projects.

Skills

Cost planning

Tendering

Tender models

Quantity measurement

Multi-sector experience

Commercial drive

Team leadership

Client presentation

Job description

Award winning National Building Contractor known for successfully building multi-faceted, high-profile projects has a key opening in their established estimating team. With a focus on early contractor involvement, they are in a strong market position and are fortunate to continually work on single-select developments.

Reporting directly to the Estimating Manager, the successful applicant will work across diverse, large-scale builds in a collaborative team that prizes initiative and precision.

The ideal applicant would be ready to play a key role in the full tender process, with the autonomy to lead bids from $50M - $70M, scaling up to $200M+. The company is also open to considering an emerging estimator currently delivering projects in the $15M - $20M range who is eager to step up into more complex, higher value work.

Key Skills & Attributes Required:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively cost plan with limited information, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in early project stages.
• A solid background in hard dollar tendering, with a focus on delivering competitive and accurate pricing.
• In-depth understanding of various tender models, including Lump Sum, Design & Construct (D&C), Construct Only, Managing Contractor, and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI).
• Skilled in independently measuring quantities without relying on external bills of quantity, ensuring complete project cost transparency.
• A successful record of working across multiple sectors, highlighting adaptability and versatility in different project environments.
• A relentless drive for success, with a competitive outlook that pushes for optimal outcomes and project wins.
• A team-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative setting, offering support to colleagues and leading by example to foster a cohesive team environment.
• Effective communication skills with the confidence to present key ideas effectively in client meetings.

Above anything else this employer of choice is seeking an Estimator who approaches the role with a builder’s mindset. The ideal candidate will be someone who thinks in 3D, visualizing the entire project in their mind. This individual will work closely with design managers and delivery teams, playing a pivotal role in turning conceptual designs into award winning projects.