Estimating Manager

seek.com.au; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation and salary package

Professional development support

Career progression opportunities

Parking near M1

Job summary

Seek seeks an experienced Estimating Manager to own the pricing process from enquiry to construction across QLD and NSW. You will lead a small team, partner with sales, design and construction, and ensure tenders are accurate and commercially sound.

The role requires 5+ years in residential estimating, strong understanding of local practices, Databuild and advanced Excel skills, and a leadership mindset under deadline pressure. Competitive salary and development support offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years estimating in residential construction with leadership experience.
• Strong reading of plans and engineering specs, NCC knowledge.
• Proven ability to lead a small estimating team and improve pricing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the estimating team with accuracy and timely delivery.
• Prepare and review detailed cost estimates from drawings and specs.
• Manage take-offs, quotes, and bid submissions; monitor market trends.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Databuild

Advanced Excel

Reading drawings

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Quantity Surveying

Tools

Databuild

Excel

Job description

We are a national residential building company delivering high-volume, investment-grade housing across QLD and NSW. With 20+ years in the industry, a strong reputation among investors, built on accurate pricing, transparent communication, and streamlined systems to support our teams, we're proud to offer quality homes built efficiently, on time, and with care. Our projects scope includes standalone homes, duplexes, and townhouse developments. As we continue to grow our project pipeline, we're looking for an experienced Estimating Manager to lead our estimating function.

The Role

As Estimating Manager, you will own the pricing process from first enquiry through to construction. You'll lead a small estimating team, work closely with our sales, design, operations, and construction teams, and ensure every tender is accurate, competitive, and commercially sound.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the estimating team, setting standards for accuracy, turnaround and process
• Prepare and review detailed cost estimates from architectural and engineering drawings, specifications and selections
• Run quantity take-offs and manage subcontractor and supplier quotation processes
• Maintain and continuously improve our cost database, rates and pricing templates
• Identify value-engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives without compromising quality or compliance
• Provide pricing advice during concept and design stages, including budget feasibilities for developers and clients
• Work with the construction team to ensure estimates translate into achievable build budgets, and provide handover documentation on contract award
• Monitor market trends, material price movements and subcontractor availability, and adjust rates accordingly
• Assess risk, provisional sums, prime cost items and exclusions to protect margins
• Report on tender conversion rates, estimating performance and pipeline forecasts to management

About You

• 5+ years' estimating experience in residential construction, including at least 2 years in a senior or leadership capacity
• Strong knowledge of residential building methods, trades and Queensland & New South Wales construction practices
• Experience with Databuild estimating and take-off software and advanced Excel skills is mandatory
• Excellent ability to read and interpret plans, engineering documents and specifications
• Sound understanding of the NCC, QBCC licensing requirements and relevant Australian Standards
• Strong negotiation skills and established subcontractor relationships
• Leadership ability, with clear communication and attention to detail under deadline pressure
• Trade background, or a degree/diploma in Construction Management, Building or Quantity Surveying
• Experience with multi-dwelling, townhouse or small-scale developments

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package including super, depending on experience
• Professional development and industry membership support
• A supportive, collaborative team culture with genuine career progression
• Modern office with parking close to M1

Ready to Take the Lead?

If you're driven, solutions-focused, and ready to make your mark with a builder that's on the rise- we want to hear from you.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Only candidates with full Australian working rights will be considered.