Estimator

BuiltStrong Recruitment Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

BuiltSTRONG Recruitment is partnering with a Melbourne-based commercial builder to recruit an experienced Estimator. You will own the tender process for 8–15M projects, from initial review through submission and handover, with GM support. Strong pricing knowledge and subcontractor relationships are essential.

The role offers autonomy to manage tenders and influence pricing strategy for commercial new builds, with direct exposure to project leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience estimating commercial new build projects, around the 8–15M value.
• Ability to run the full estimating process from review to submission.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods and pricing trends.
• Excellent attention to detail and commercial judgement.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings and tender documents to establish scope.
• Prepare take-offs, cost estimates and trade packages.
• Manage subcontractor inquiries and quotations.
• Develop competitive tender submissions and negotiate post-tender.

Skills

Tendering process

Estimating independently

Construction methods

Market pricing

Subcontractor relations

Tender deadlines

Job description

BuiltStrong Recruitment Pty Ltd - Brooklyn VIC

Estimator | Commercial Construction

Melbourne | Commercial new build projects circa $8-15M

BuiltSTRONG Recruitment is partnering with a commercial builder to recruit an experienced Estimator to take ownership of their estimating function.

About my client

My client delivers commercial new builds, fit-outs, refurbishments and design and construct projects. Their management team takes a hands-on approach, with a strong focus on quality delivery, client relationships and close collaboration with subcontractors.

This opportunity offers direct access to the General Manager and the autonomy to manage the entire tender process.

The opportunity

As the sole Estimator, you will be responsible for taking tenders from initial review through to submission and project handover, with support from the General Manager.

The focus will be commercial new build projects typically valued at $8-15 million. You will need the experience and confidence to put together complete, accurate and competitive submissions independently.

• Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation to establish scope and requirements.
• Completing take-offs, preparing trade packages and developing detailed cost estimates.
• Managing subcontractor and supplier enquiries, obtaining quotations and assessing coverage.
• Comparing and qualifying quotes, identifying scope gaps and resolving tender queries.
• Assessing construction methodology, preliminaries, programme requirements and project risks.
• Identifying value management opportunities and discussing pricing strategy with the General Manager.
• Preparing final tender submissions, including qualifications, exclusions and clarifications.
• Managing post-tender negotiations and handing successful projects over to the delivery team.

About you

We are looking for an experienced commercial construction Estimator who can confidently manage a tender from start to finish.

You will bring:

• Proven experience estimating commercial new build projects, ideally around the $8-15M range.
• The ability to run the full estimating process independently.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, trade scopes and market pricing.
• Sound commercial judgement and attention to detail.
• The ability to build effective relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to meet tender deadlines.

This could suit an established sole Estimator or an experienced Estimator ready to take full ownership of the function.

Why consider this role?

• Autonomy and ownership of the estimating process.
• Direct support from an experienced General Manager.
• A clear focus on commercial new build projects.
• The opportunity to have a direct influence on tender strategy and project selection.

For a confidential discussion, contact Chris Newman at BuiltSTRONG Recruitment.