Estimator

Randstad Pty; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Pty is seeking an experienced Commercial Estimator to join the pre-construction team in Brisbane. This role covers two streams: fast-paced fitouts and ground-up base builds, with end-to-end tendering and handover responsibilities.

You will price risk accurately, manage BOQs, source trade packages, and engage with clients, architects, and consultants to deliver cost-effective design solutions while maintaining buildability and value engineering focus.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience across interior fitouts/refurbishments and ground-up new builds.
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., CostX, CubIT, Buildxact, Procore) and advanced Excel.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor market rates, lead times, and local building codes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, competitive first-principles estimates and lump-sum tenders for fitouts/refurbishments and ground-up builds.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and BOQs; identify scope gaps early in tender stage.
• Source, evaluate and negotiate trade packages with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Collaborate on cost-saving value engineering with clients and design teams.
• Assess risk and program implications for live environments and new builds; lead tender handovers.

Skills

Estimating experience

Commercial awareness

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CostX

CubIT

Buildxact

Procore

Excel (advanced)

Job description

Commercial Estimator – Fitouts & New Builds

Location: Southside Brisbane

Work Type: Full-Time

Remuneration: $150,000 - $180,000 + Super

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced, commercially sharp Estimator to join our clients pre-construction team. Unlike roles that pigeonhole you into a single sector, this position offers genuine variety across two distinct streams of commercial construction: fast-paced, high-detail commercial fitouts.

You will manage tenders from initial enquiry through to submission and project handover, balancing quick-turnaround refurbishment packages with complex, multi-stage base builds. If you thrive on variety, enjoy solving buildability challenges early, and know how to price risk accurately in both live environments and greenfield sites, this role will keep you engaged.

About Us

Our client is an established commercial builder delivering projects across the corporate, retail, industrial, and community sectors. With a strong pipeline of repeat clients and negotiated Design & Construct (D&C) work alongside competitive tenders, we pride ourselves on transparent communication, practical value engineering, and seamless handovers between estimating and delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Tendering: Prepare accurate, competitive first-principles estimates and lump-sum tenders for both commercial fitout/refurbishment projects and ground-up new builds.
• Quantity Take-Offs & BOQs: Perform detailed digital take-offs, prepare Bills of Quantities (BOQs), and identify scope gaps, ambiguities, or buildability issues early in the tender phase.
• Subcontractor & Supplier Engagement: Source, evaluate, and negotiate trade packages, ensuring comprehensive trade coverage and strong relationships with our subcontractor network.
• Value Engineering: Collaborate with clients, architects, and consultants on D&C and ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) opportunities to propose cost-effective alternatives without compromising design intent.
• Risk & Programme Assessment: Factor in site constraints—particularly around live-environment staging for fitouts versus civil/structural sequencing for new builds.
• Tender Handover: Lead thorough post-tender reviews and handovers to the Project Management and Site teams upon project award.

What You Bring

• Proven Estimating Experience: Minimum [3–5+] years of commercial construction estimating experience, with demonstrated exposure to both interior fitouts/refurbishments and ground-up new builds.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong command of estimating and project software (e.g., CostX, CubIT, Buildxact, Procore, and advanced Excel).
• Trade & Market Knowledge: Up-to-date understanding of current subcontractor market rates, lead times, and local building codes/standards.
• Commercial Acumen: A sharp eye for detail, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to spot contractual or scope risks before submission.
• Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a trade background with proven transition into commercial estimating.

Why Join?

• Diverse Project Pipeline: Keep your skillset sharp across dynamic fitouts and substantial ground-up builds.
• Supportive Pre-Con Environment: Work directly alongside experienced Senior Estimators, Construction Managers, and Directors with fast decision-making lines.
• High Repeat-Client Ratio: Spend your time pricing winnable, well-qualified tenders rather than chasing low-margin volume.
• Career Growth & Flexibility: Clear pathway toward Senior Estimator or Pre-Construction Manager, supported by flexible working arrangements and competitive remuneration.

qualification

• Ideally a bachelors degree

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.