Estimating Manager

Private Advertiser; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Career progression

Modern office with parking near M1

Job summary

Private Advertiser is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead the pricing process for residential projects across QLD/NSW. You will head a small estimating team, collaborate with sales, design, operations and construction, and ensure tenders are accurate and commercially sound.

Requirements include 5+ years in estimating with leadership experience, Databuild and advanced Excel, and strong plan-reading and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• 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 QLD/NSW 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Reading plans

Education

Degree in Construction Management/Building/Quantity Surveying

Tools

Databuild

Excel (Advanced)

Bluebeam

Planswift

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.

Applications Close 21 October 2026.

Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as an Estimating Manager?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Residential Estimator?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Databuild Estimator?
• Do you have experience using Bluebeam?
• Do you have experience using Planswift Estimating Software?
• Do you have a current QBCC Site Supervisor licence?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Project Cost Estimator?

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