Project Estimator (Over 55's Lifestyle Village)

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

Job summary

Seek is seeking an experienced Estimator to own costing and contract administration for an over-55s lifestyle village development in the Bundaberg region. You'll price each dwelling and support contract administration as homes move into construction.

Working with the Project Manager, you will gain deep costing and contracts expertise across the full project lifecycle in a growing over-55s sector, with a local, hands-on role.”

Qualifications

• Experience in residential estimating for multi-dwelling or lifestyle developments.
• Ability to interpret residential plans and site/engineering reports.
• Experience with preparing cost plans and BOQs.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good communication with subcontractors and project team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for each dwelling within the village, including standard unit types and site variations.
• Generate BOQs and pricing for site works (slab type, cut/fill, retaining, services connections).
• Source and maintain current pricing from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Price client-selected upgrades and post-contract variations.
• Maintain a costing register across all dwellings and stages.

Skills

Residential estimating

Multi-dwelling experience

Reading plans

Numerical accuracy

Communication skills

Tools

Buildertrend

Microsoft Excel

MS Project

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Estimator to take ownership of costing and contract administration for an over-55s lifestyle village development in the Bundaberg region. This is a dedicated, single-project role — you'll be embedded across the life of the development, responsible for pricing each dwelling within the village, then supporting contract administration as homes move into construction.

Working alongside the Project Manager, you'll be exposed to the full rhythm of the project while building deep expertise in costing and contracts along the way. It's an ideal role for someone who's keen to grow their understanding of the entire project lifecycle, in a sector with strong long-term growth as demand for over-55s and lifestyle living continues to rise.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for each dwelling within the village, including standard unit types and any site-specific variations
• Generate bills of quantities (BOQs) and pricing for site works (slab type, cut/fill, retaining, services connections) across the development
• Source and maintain current pricing from suppliers and subcontractors specific to the project
• Price client-selected upgrades and post-contract variations
• Maintain a clear, up-to-date costing register across all dwellings and stages in the development

Contract administration

• Prepare and issue subcontracts and purchase orders for the project
• Process progress claims, payment certificates, and variations as dwellings move through construction
• Track costs against budget for each dwelling/stage and flag variances early
• Maintain accurate contract and project documentation across the development
• Liaise with the developer/operator, subcontractors, and suppliers to keep the project moving smoothly from costing through to completion

What we're looking for

• Experience in residential estimating, ideally with exposure to multi-dwelling, staged, or lifestyle/retirement living developments (2+ years preferred)
• Working knowledge of contract administration — processing variations, progress claims, and subcontracts
• Ability to read and interpret residential plans, site plans, and engineering/soil reports
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g. Buildertrend, Microsoft Project) and Microsoft Excel
• High attention to detail and strong numerical accuracy
• Good communication skills for liaising with subcontractors, suppliers, and the project team

What's on offer

• Competitive salary package depending on experience
• Hands-on exposure to the full project lifecycle, working closely alongside an experienced Project Manager
• Exposure to the growing over-55s/lifestyle living sector
• Local role
• A team environment that encourages and supports professional growth