Estimator (Mid to Senior Level)

Randstad Pty; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad is seeking an experienced Estimator or Senior Estimator to join the Adelaide team. You will prepare competitive cost estimates for multi-million-dollar commercial builds, source quotes, and lead tender submissions in a collaborative pre-construction environment.

Mid-level to senior professionals with 5–10+ years of estimating experience, plus a Construction Management/Quantity Surveying/Building degree, are encouraged to apply. A strong network with local trades will be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' estimating experience within the commercial construction industry.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to collaborate with project teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Analyse project plans, specifications, and docs to prepare cost estimates for multi-million-dollar commercial builds.
• Conduct take-offs and prepare Bills of Quantities.
• Review subcontractor and supplier quotes and network local trades.
• Identify risks and opportunities, and present bid strategies to leadership.
• Lead tender process and ensure smooth handover to delivery teams.

Skills

Estimating experience

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Construction Management / Quantity Surveying / Building degree

Tools

MS Excel

Estimating software

Job description

About Our Client

Our client is a highly respected, award-winning commercial construction company with a rich history spanning over 40 years in South Australia. Known for transforming great ideas into exceptional buildings, they deliver multi-million-dollar projects across diverse sectors including Commercial & Fitout, Education, Aged Care & Health, Community, and Industrial.

With a business built on strong, collaborative relationships and a genuine commitment to quality, they operate as true partners with their clients, architects, and subcontractors. Driven by a solution-focused approach and a culture of honesty and respect, they have firmly established themselves as a South Australian success story. Due to steady growth and an impressive pipeline of upcoming tenders, they are now seeking an experienced Estimator or Senior Estimator to join their dedicated Adelaide team.

The Opportunity

Operating as a critical part of the pre-construction division, you will be responsible for the preparation of competitive, accurate, and strategic tenders. You will play an instrumental role in securing new business and ensuring projects are set up for financial and operational success from day one.

Depending on your level of experience (Mid-Level or Senior), your responsibilities will include:

• Analysing project plans, specifications, and documentation to prepare comprehensive cost estimates for multi-million-dollar commercial builds.
• Conducting thorough take-offs and preparing detailed Bills of Quantities.
• Sourcing, reviewing, and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotes, leveraging and expanding your network of local trades.
• Identifying project risks, commercial opportunities, and value-engineering alternatives to provide a competitive edge.
• Formulating bid strategies, managing the tender process, and presenting submissions to the leadership team.
• Collaborating closely with project managers and stakeholders to ensure seamless handovers from the tender phase to project delivery.
• For Senior candidates: Leading major, complex bid submissions and providing mentorship to the wider estimating team.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will be a commercially astute professional with a proven track record in the commercial building sector.

• Mid-Level Candidates: Minimum of 5 years' estimating experience within the commercial construction industry.
• Senior Candidates: 10+ years' extensive estimating experience, with a portfolio of successfully secured mid-to-large scale commercial projects.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Building, or a related discipline.
• Comprehensive knowledge of South Australian construction methodologies, materials, and current market pricing.
• Proficiency in industry-standard estimating software (advanced MS Excel skills).
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and robust negotiation capabilities.
• A collaborative, team-player mentality with a reputation for building positive relationships with subcontractors and clients alike.

Why Join Them?

• Stability & Prestige: Join a secure, award-winning business that has been successfully operating for four decades.
• Diverse Portfolio: Engage with a varied and interesting pipeline of meaningful projects across multiple sectors.
• Exceptional Culture: Be part of a workplace that values professionalism, responsibility, and a truly collaborative, non-adversarial approach to construction.
• Rewarding Package: A highly competitive remuneration package will be negotiated based on your experience level, alongside genuine opportunities for long-term career progression.

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.