Estimator – Commercial Partitions, Ceilings & Fit-Out

Total Trade Constructions; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

Total Trade Constructions (TTC) is seeking an Estimator for Commercial Fit-Out in Melbourne to price partitions, ceilings, aluminium systems and doors. You will own estimating from tender inquiry to handover, working with MD and the delivery team, reviews drawings, prepares detailed take-offs, and maintains supplier pricing and CRM workflows.

Experience in commercial interiors and a proactive, collaborative mindset are essential, with strong computer and communication skills to manage complex

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial interiors estimating or transitioning from a trade to estimating.
• Ability to price partitions, ceilings, aluminium systems and doors.
• Comfort with tender workflows, supplier pricing and CRM.
• Strong attention to detail and communication with builders.

Responsibilities

• Manage incoming tender opportunities and maintain estimating pipeline.
• Review drawings, specifications and schedules for take-offs.
• Prepare detailed estimates covering materials, labour, plant and access.
• Obtain supplier quotes and maintain competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with MD, Head of Commercial Fit-Out and delivery team.
• Assist in improving estimating systems and AI-assisted workflows.

Skills

Commercial estimating

Tenders & take-offs

Stakeholder communication

Attention to detail

Tools

Excel

CRM platforms

AI-assisted workflows

Digital take-off software

Job description

Estimator – Commercial Partitions, Ceilings & Fit-Out

Estimator – Commercial Partitions, Ceilings & Fit-Out

Know your way around steel stud framing, plasterboard, ceilings, doors and hardware, or aluminium systems? Already estimating, or looking to take your experience from the tools into the office?

Total Trade Constructions (TTC) is looking for a motivated Estimator to join our established Commercial Fit-Out division.

We're open to applications from both experienced commercial fit-out estimators and skilled tradespeople looking to transition into an office-based estimating career.

This is an opportunity to work directly with our Managing Director, Head of Commercial Fit-Out and experienced delivery team, pricing projects for some of Melbourne's leading commercial builders.

About TTC

Total Trade Constructions is an established Melbourne commercial subcontractor with dedicated divisions in Commercial Fit-Out and Concreting.

This position sits within our Commercial Fit-Out division, which delivers a wide range of projects across Melbourne, including commercial offices, workplace fit-outs, refurbishments, universities and education facilities.

Our specialist trade packages include:

• Steel stud framing and plasterboard partitions


• Suspended, acoustic and architectural feature ceilings


• Aluminium framing and internal glazed partition systems


• Commercial doors, frames, door hardware and associated installation works


• Commercial carpentry, internal linings and architectural finishes


• Associated commercial interior and fit-out works

We have long-standing relationships with leading Melbourne builders, a strong pipeline of tender opportunities and an experienced team delivering our projects.

We're proud of the culture we've built at TTC. We're a young, motivated and energetic team that enjoys working together, supports one another and takes pride in delivering quality projects. We have a vibrant office environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas, take ownership and enjoy what they do.

The Opportunity

We're looking for someone to take ownership of our estimating and pre-construction workflow, from the moment a tender enquiry comes through to the handover of a successful project to our delivery team.

Working closely with our Managing Director and Head of Commercial Fit-Out, you'll help assess which opportunities we pursue, prepare accurate and competitive quotations and maintain strong communication with our builder clients throughout the tender process.

This is a hands-on, specialist trade-estimating position, not a general building estimator role.

You'll be pricing the work our own teams deliver, with a focus on understanding construction details, quantities, materials, labour, supplier pricing, installation methods and practical buildability.

You'll have the opportunity to take real ownership of your work, build relationships with builders and suppliers and contribute to the continued development of our estimating systems and processes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing incoming tender opportunities and maintaining our CRM and estimating pipeline.


• Reviewing architectural drawings, specifications, schedules and tender documentation.


• Completing detailed quantity take-offs for partitions, ceilings, aluminium, glazing, doors, hardware and associated commercial fit-out works.


• Preparing accurate estimates covering materials, labour, plant, access requirements and project-specific costs.


• Obtaining and reviewing supplier and specialist trade quotations, including maintaining competitive material and trade pricing.


• Building and maintaining relationships with key suppliers, manufacturers and trade partners.


• Identifying scope gaps, discrepancies and risks, and submitting RFIs to builders.


• Preparing and submitting professional tender quotations, including scope qualifications and exclusions.


• Managing tender revisions, repricing, value-management options and alternative construction solutions.


• Liaising with builders, suppliers, manufacturers and our internal delivery teams throughout the tender process.


• Attending site inspections, tender meetings and project walk-throughs when required.


• Supporting builder relationships through professional communication and proactive tender follow-up.


• Preparing clear and accurate project handovers when tenders are successful.


• Helping improve TTC's estimating systems, pricing databases, templates and processes, including the use of AI and modern digital tools.

Who We're Looking For

Ideally, you'll bring experience in commercial partitions, ceilings, plastering, steel stud framing, carpentry, doors and hardware, aluminium systems or a related commercial interiors trade.

We're particularly interested in hearing from:

Experienced Estimators:

Currently working for commercial fit-out contractors or specialist trade subcontractors.

Commercial Tradespeople:

Framing carpenters, plasterers, door installers or aluminium installers with a strong understanding of plans and construction methods.

Tradespeople Looking for a Change:

Someone with a solid commercial trade background, good computer skills and an interest in transitioning from the tools into an estimating career.

Developing Estimators:

Individuals with some estimating experience who are looking to take on greater responsibility and further develop their skills.

You’ll be organised, commercially minded and comfortable communicating with builders, suppliers and colleagues.

Strong computer skills and an eye for detail are essential. Experience with digital take-off software, Excel, CRM platforms and AI-assisted workflows would be advantageous.

We're looking for someone with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and the motivation to become an important part of our team.

Previous estimating experience is highly regarded, but we're prepared to train the right person with a solid commercial trade background and the right attitude.

Why Join TTC?

Great Team & Culture: Join a young, energetic and motivated team in a fun, vibrant and supportive office environment.

Established Business: Be part of a respected Melbourne commercial subcontractor with strong builder relationships and consistent tender opportunities.

Work Alongside Experienced Leaders: Work directly with our Managing Director, Head of Commercial Fit-Out and experienced delivery team.

Genuine Career Development: Whether you're an experienced estimator or transitioning from the tools, we'll support you in developing your skills and growing with the business.

Modern Systems & Technology: Join a business actively investing in technology, AI and smarter estimating processes, with opportunities to help shape how we work.

Interesting Commercial Projects: Work across a variety of commercial offices, workplace fit-outs, refurbishments and education projects throughout Melbourne.

Ownership & Responsibility: Have the opportunity to manage your own tender workload, contribute ideas and make a genuine impact on the business.

Competitive Salary: Remuneration tailored to your trade knowledge, estimating capabilities and experience.

Ready for Your Next Move?

Whether you're already an estimator or an experienced commercial tradesperson looking to move off the tools, we'd love to hear from you.

If you understand how commercial interiors are built, enjoy solving problems, have a good attitude and want to work with a motivated team that genuinely enjoys what they do, this could be the opportunity for you.