Estimator

James Foster Consulting; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct access to owner

Career progression

Diverse project portfolio

Job summary

James Foster Consulting is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator in Sydney to lead tender submissions for projects up to $50M across health, medical, education, industrial and residential sectors.

You will join a tight-knit estimating team, directly supporting the business owner, and play a pivotal role in pricing, risk assessment and subcontractor management. This role offers strong career progression and a varied project mix.

Qualifications

• Must have minimum 7 years estimating experience in Australian construction.
• Experience with head contractor or equivalent required; subcontractor-only experience not eligible.
• Strong ability to read architectural, structural and services drawings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver cost estimates and tender submissions up to $50M.
• Lead tenders from inception through submission across multiple sectors.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier relationships during tender process.
• Review contract docs, drawings and specs to reflect real-world construction requirements.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating process improvements.

Skills

Reading drawings

Communication

Estimating

Subcontractor management

Education

Construction Mgmt/QS/Engineering

Tools

Cubit

Buildsoft

Candy

Job description

Our client is a well-established and highly regarded Tier 3 Head Contractor based in Sydney with over 10 years of successful project delivery across New South Wales. With an annual turnover of approximately $100M, this business has built a strong reputation for delivering complex, high quality construction projects across a diverse range of sectors.

Operating across Health, Medical, Education, Industrial and Residential markets, they have a consistent pipeline of work and a track record of winning and delivering projects up to $50M in value. This is a business that has stood the test of time, built on strong client relationships, repeat work and a leadership team that genuinely invests in its people.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Due to continued growth and an expanding tender pipeline, our client is now looking to bring on an experienced Senior Estimator to join their close-knit estimating team. You will be joining a team of three estimators who work directly alongside the Owner of the business, giving you direct access to leadership and real influence over the direction of tenders and project pursuits.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced estimator who wants to be valued, heard and challenged in a business that is genuinely going places.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Preparing and delivering detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for projects up to $50M
• Leading tenders from inception through to submission across health, medical, education, industrial and residential sectors
• Conducting thorough trade breakdowns, quantity takeoffs and subcontractor analysis
• Engaging and managing subcontractor and supplier relationships during the tender process
• Reviewing and interpreting contract documentation, drawings and specifications
• Identifying and assessing project risks and incorporating appropriate allowances
• Preparing tender reports and presentations for review with the business owner
• Collaborating closely with the project delivery team to ensure estimates reflect real world construction requirements
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of estimating systems, processes and templates
• Mentoring and supporting junior estimators within the team

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 7 years of estimating experience within the Australian construction industry
• Must have worked for a Head Contractor subcontractor or consultant estimating experience alone will not be considered
• Sydney based experience is non-negotiable candidates without a strong understanding of the Sydney subcontractor market and local pricing will not be progressed
• Proven experience pricing new build construction projects valued at $10M and above
• Strong experience across at least two of the following sectors Health, Medical, Education, Industrial or Residential
• Exceptional ability to read and interpret architectural, structural and services drawings
• High level of proficiency in estimating software such as Cubit, Buildsoft, Candy or similar
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor procurement and trade package management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present tenders confidently

HIGHLY REGARDED

• Tertiary qualifications in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or Engineering
• Experience tendering for government and health sector projects
• Familiarity with GMP, Design and Construct and Lump Sum contract types
• Prior experience in a senior or lead estimating role

WHAT IS ON OFFER

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience
• Direct access to the business owner your voice will be heard
• Genuine career progression in a growing and ambitious business
• Strong and consistent tender pipeline across multiple sectors
• Collaborative and supportive team culture no ego, just hard work and results
• Varied and interesting project mix across health, education, industrial and residential
• Sydney based role with a well established presence in the market
• A business that has been trusted and respected for over 10 years