Senior Estimator

AirSWIFT; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Airswift, a leading recruitment partner for the Australian construction sector, is partnering with a respected commercial builder in Queensland to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator. You will lead pricing and cost planning across major opportunities from concept through tender submission.

You will analyse drawings, prepare first-principles estimates, BOQs and cost plans, and engage with subcontractors to secure market pricing.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience within a Tier 1, Tier 2 or reputable commercial construction contractor.
• Demonstrated success pricing commercial building projects valued at $20M+.
• A degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tender bids and ECI proposals.
• Manage full estimating functions across commercial building projects.
• Prepare detailed first-principles estimates, BOQs and cost plans.
• Analyse drawings, specifications and project documentation to identify opportunities, risks and cost drivers.
• Develop value engineering solutions to improve project outcomes and competitiveness.
• Engage with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain accurate market pricing and build strong supply chain relationships.
• Collaborate closely with Construction Managers, Project Managers and Directors throughout the bid process.
• Present tender recommendations and pricing strategies to senior stakeholders.
• Participate in bid strategy meetings and contribute to work-winning initiatives.
• Mentor and support junior estimators while promoting best practice estimating standards.

Job description

About the Opportunity

Airswift is proud to be partnering with a highly respected commercial construction contractor with a strong presence across Queensland. With a healthy pipeline of negotiated and tendered projects spanning commercial, education, health, industrial and mixed-use developments, the business is continuing its growth and looking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to play a key role in securing future work.

This is an opportunity to join a business known for delivering landmark projects and fostering a collaborative culture where estimating is viewed as a critical function within the organisation. Working closely with senior leadership, project delivery teams and key subcontractor networks, you will lead the pricing and cost planning of major construction opportunities from concept through to submission.

The Role

As a Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for developing accurate, competitive and commercially sound tenders across projects typically ranging from $20M to $200M+.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tender bids and ECI proposals.

Manage full estimating functions across commercial building projects.

Prepare detailed first-principles estimates, BOQs and cost plans.

Analyse drawings, specifications and project documentation to identify opportunities, risks and cost drivers.

Develop value engineering solutions to improve project outcomes and competitiveness.

Engage with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain accurate market pricing and build strong supply chain relationships.

Collaborate closely with Construction Managers, Project Managers and Directors throughout the bid process.

Present tender recommendations and pricing strategies to senior stakeholders.

Participate in bid strategy meetings and contribute to work-winning initiatives.

Mentor and support junior estimators while promoting best practice estimating standards.

About You

To be successful in this position you will possess:

Proven estimating experience within a Tier 1, Tier 2 or reputable commercial construction contractor.

Demonstrated success pricing commercial building projects valued at $20M+.

Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, procurement strategies and risk identification.

Experience across Lump Sum, Design & Construct (D&C), Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and ECI delivery models.

Excellent commercial acumen, analytical capability and negotiation skills.

Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across clients, consultants and subcontractors.

A degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or a related discipline.

What's on Offer

Opportunity to work with one of Queensland's most respected commercial builders.

Exposure to major and landmark commercial construction projects.

Excellent career progression into Estimating Manager or Pre-Construction leadership pathways.

Collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Competitive salary package reflective of experience.

Modern office environment with flexible working arrangements available.