Estimator/Senior Estimator

seek.com.au; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

seek.com.au is recruiting an experienced construction estimator to own the estimating and tendering process for a range of projects in Sydney, Australia. You will collaborate with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams to develop competitive, accurate estimates and successful bids.

The role requires 5+ years in construction estimating, with a network of reliable subcontractors and a thorough understanding of construction costs and methodologies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably with Tier 2/3 firms.
• Experience estimating commercial fit-outs, heritage restorations or government projects.
• Established network of subcontractors and suppliers for competitive pricing.
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, materials, and trade costs.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs and scopes of work accurately.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, detailed and competitive cost estimates for commercial projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work and tender docs to establish costs.
• Attend tender briefings, site inspections and tender meetings.
• Prepare and issue tender packages to subcontractors and suppliers.
• Evaluate quotations, including scope, exclusions and risks.
• Build estimates covering labour, materials, subcontractors and preliminaries.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering options.
• Coordinate tender submissions and deadlines.
• Handover estimates to project delivery teams with budgets and inclusions.

Skills

Construction estimating

Cost estimation

Tendering

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Job description

Reporting into the Senior Leadership Team, you will take ownership of the estimating and tendering process across a diverse range of projects. You will work closely with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal project teams to develop competitive, accurate and commercially sound estimates.

This role is ideal for an estimator with strong industry knowledge, established subcontractor and supplier relationships, and the ability to identify opportunities that contribute to business growth.

Key responsibilities

Prepare accurate, detailed and competitive cost estimates for commercial fit-outs, heritage restorations, government projects and other building works.

Review and interpret architectural drawings, specifications, scopes of work and tender documentation to establish project costs.

Attend tender briefings, site inspections and tender meetings, contributing to the preparation and submission of competitive bids.

Prepare and issue tender packages to subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring all relevant project information is provided.

Evaluate and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations, including scope comparisons, exclusions, qualifications and commercial risks.

Build comprehensive estimates covering labour, materials, subcontractor costs, preliminaries and other project-related expenses.

Identify cost-saving opportunities, value engineering options and potential project risks during the estimating process.

Coordinate tender submissions and ensure deadlines, pricing requirements and documentation standards are met.

Conduct estimating handover meetings with project delivery teams to ensure a clear understanding of budgets, scope, inclusions and exclusions.

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing and support future business opportunities.

About you

5+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably within a Tier 2 or Tier 3 construction environment.

Demonstrated experience estimating commercial construction, fit-outs, heritage restoration or government projects.

An established network of subcontractors and suppliers, with the ability to obtain competitive and reliable pricing.

Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, building materials, trade costs and subcontractor procurement.

The ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications and scopes of work accurately.

Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines.

Strong commercial awareness, analytical skills and attention to detail.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the confidence to liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.

The ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.

A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a genuine commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

About us

With a growing and diverse project portfolio, we are a Tier 3 construction company delivering high-quality residential and commercial construction, commercial fit-outs, heritage restorations, government projects and ongoing maintenance services.

Driven by our core values of creativity, integrity and ethical business practices, we take pride in delivering exceptional outcomes through quality workmanship, collaborative partnerships and reliable project delivery.

Led by an experienced and forward-thinking management team, we are committed to challenging conventional approaches and continually raising the standard across the construction industry. Our reputation is built on professionalism, technical expertise and the strong relationships we maintain with our clients, subcontractors and suppliers.