Production Estimator | Residential Construction

seek.com.au; Caboolture; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Permanent Caboolture office position

Supportive family culture

Job summary

McLachlan Homes in Caboolture is seeking an experienced Production Estimator to join our head office. You will review drawings and plans for technical accuracy, perform take-offs and BOQs, and generate precise material orders for custom homes and standard designs.

The role requires strong Excel skills and experience with estimating platforms. You will work closely with construction managers, site supervisors and drafting teams to deliver accurate costings and reliable budgets.

Qualifications

• Residential estimating experience with strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proactive problem-solving ability and clear written/verbal communication.
• Experience reading plans and coordinating with multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan and review drawings, plans, soil reports and inclusions for technical accuracy.
• Prepare quantities and BOQs for materials, trades and site labor.
• Generate material orders and verify supplier/subcontractor pricing.
• Identify plan errors, omissions or cost risks before construction starts.
• Collaborate with construction, site supervisors and drafting teams on pricing and mark-ups.
• Support administrative staff and reporting workflows within the estimating team.
• Cost customer variations completed by customer support staff.

Skills

Numerical accuracy

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Databuild

Onsite Companion

Job description

Work Type: Full-time

Founded in Family, Built Around Lifestyle

Established in 1997, McLachlan Homes is an award-winning residential builder proud to design and construct high-quality, custom homes across South East Queensland.

At our core, we foster a culture rooted in family, teamwork, and long-term commitment—with many of our team members proudly celebrating over 10 years of service with us.

We are currently seeking an experienced and detail-driven Production Estimator to join our dedicated team at our head office in Caboolture.

If you share our passion for exceptional accuracy,quality, and possess a positive, proactive attitude, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Plan & Specification Review: Analyze drawings, engineering plans, soil reports, and council/statutory inclusions to ensure full technical accuracy.
• Quantity Take-Offs & BOQs: Perform precise measurements and calculations for materials, trades, and site labor to prepare comprehensive Bill of Quantities (BOQs) for custom homes, turnkey packages, and standard designs.
• Order : Generate accurate whole-house material orders, verify supplier/subcontractor pricing.
• Discrepancy Identification: Proactively spot plan errors, omissions, or potential cost risks prior to construction starting on-site.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with construction manager, site supervisors, drafting teams to resolve pricing queries, model mark-up scenarios, and ensure projects align with client briefs and budgets.
• Team & Admin Support: Provide clear technical guidance to administrative staff, support the wider Production Estimating team, and complete reporting/workflow tracking as directed.
• Variations: Cost customer contract variations that are completed by other dedicated Customer support staff.

About You

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of residential estimating experience OR a strong trade background with extensive quoting/costing experience.
• Core Strengths: Exceptional numerical accuracy, proactive problem-solving ability, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Attitude: A positive, team-first mindset with a strong work ethic and high attention to detail.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience using industry estimating and project tracking platforms (Databuild preferred, Onsite Companion highly desirable).
• High competency in reading and interpreting plans and engineering documentation.

What We Offer

• Supportive Family Culture: A welcoming, collaborative environment with long-tenured team members and clear executive support.
• Competitive Package: Excellent salary package reflecting your experience and industry capability.
• Stable Local Career: Permanent position at our Caboolture head office working on exciting custom homes and award winning standard designs