Cadet Estimator

Danrae Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Danrae Group is seeking a motivated entrant to assist with estimating for remedial waterproofing and roofing projects. You’ll learn tendering from review of drawings to pricing and handover, while gaining hands-on experience and growing with the business.

You’ll work with the Lead Estimator and Pre-Contract Manager, developing technical skills, reading drawings, and understanding project quantities as you take on increasing responsibility.

Qualifications

• Strong numeric ability and keen attention to detail.
• Interest in estimating and tender processes.
• Willingness to learn and take ownership of work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with take-offs, measurements and quantities for tenders.
• Support the estimating team with tender documentation and pricing.
• Help set up tenders in SimPRO and track deadlines.
• Attend site visits to understand scopes and materials.
• Source material prices and subcontractor quotes to keep tenders moving.
• Ask questions and contribute ideas to improve estimating processes.

Skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Excel proficient

Willing to learn

Communication

Education

Construction Management

Tools

SimPRO

AutoCAD

Take-off software

Job description

We’re not looking for someone who already knows everything about estimating. We’re looking for someone who’s good with numbers, pays attention to detail, is eager to learn, and wants to build a career with a business scaling towards $50M.

Danrae Group has been a trusted name in remedial waterproofing and roofing across NSW since 1996. We're a family-owned business with a reputation built on our promise: No Leaks. Guaranteed.

Working closely with our Lead Estimator & Pre-Contract Manager, you’ll learn how tenders come together, from reviewing drawings and preparing take-offs through to pricing and project handover. You’ll gain hands‑on experience, develop your technical skills and gradually take on more responsibility as you grow into the role.

What you’ll own

• Getting the numbers right. Assist with take-offs, measurements and Bills of Quantities for remedial waterproofing and roofing projects, learning how to identify scope requirements and prepare accurate quantities.
• Supporting the estimating team. Help prepare tender documentation, organise take-offs and pricing, and ensure information is accurate and ready for review by the Lead Estimator.
• Learning the tender process. Assist with setting up tenders in SimPRO, tracking deadlines, managing RFIs and keeping project documentation organised.
• Building industry knowledge. Attend site visits and meetings with the estimating team to understand project scopes, waterproofing systems, materials and how work is carried out on site.
• Keeping tenders moving. Help source material prices and subcontractor quotations, maintain tender records and support quote follow-ups.
• Always a better way. Ask questions, take feedback on board, look for ways to improve and contribute to making our estimating processes more efficient and accurate.

What we’re looking for

• Strong numerical skills, attention to detail and an interest in estimating.
• Someone who’s organised, reliable and willing to take ownership of their work.
• Confidence using Microsoft Excel and other computer applications.
• Good communication skills and the confidence to ask questions when something isn’t clear.
• A willingness to learn how to read drawings, interpret specifications and understand project quantities.
• An interest in construction, remedial waterproofing or roofing.
• Someone who follows systems, works with urgency, takes feedback positively and wants to keep improving.
• Currently studying or recently completed a qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Building or a related field is highly regarded.
• Previous exposure to estimating, SimPRO, AutoCAD or take-off software is a bonus, but not essential.

Previous estimating experience isn’t required. We’re looking for someone with the right attitude, aptitude and commitment to learning.

Why Danrae?

30 years in business, still family-owned, and genuinely scaling, not just talking about it. You’ll learn directly from an experienced Lead Estimator, gain practical exposure to real projects and have the opportunity to develop your skills as the business grows. We run on open-book numbers and real accountability. Our values are simple: do the job right, always look for a better way, tell the truth, respect the team, keep learning, and treat people like family.

If you're ready to kickstart your estimating career and grow with a business that's going places, we'd love to hear from you.