Senior Estimator

CGC Recruitment; Inner West; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

CGC Recruitment are partnering with a Sydney and Southern Highlands based construction and development company to recruit an experienced Senior Estimator for premium residential, heritage and large-scale development projects.

Lead cost planning, tendering and cost advice on projects often valued well above $20M, working closely with architects, consultants and management across NSW to ensure buildability and value optimization.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years estimating experience in high-end residential projects.
• Experience estimating and delivering projects valued at $20M+.
• Strong Excel and cost modelling ability with Buildsoft.
• Excellent negotiation with subcontractors, suppliers and consultants.
• Attention to detail with commercial judgement on complex, high-spec builds.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost plans, feasibility estimates, and tender pricing from concept through construction documentation.
• Lead tender process: packages, subcontractor and supplier pricing, evaluation and scope/value negotiations.
• Develop and maintain detailed take-offs and benchmarking data across trades and materials.
• Collaborate with architects, consultants and site teams to resolve buildability, sequencing and cost risk.
• Track cost variations and market movements on live projects and advise on risk mitigation.
• Present cost advice to clients and senior management on high-value builds.

Skills

Estimating

Buildsoft

Excel/cost modelling

Negotiation

High-end residential

Tools

Buildsoft

Excel

Job description

CGC Recruitment are partnering with a Sydney and Southern Highlands based construction and development company known for high-end residential builds and sensitive heritage refurbishments, and large-scale private homes. From landmark harbourside homes in the Eastern Suburbs to significant heritage properties in the Inner West and the Southern Highlands.

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead cost planning and tendering across a portfolio of premium residential, heritage, and large-scale development projects. This is a senior, client-facing role suited to someone who has estimated and closed out projects well in excess of $20M and is comfortable working with high end clients and projects

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost plans, feasibility estimates, and tender pricing across all project stages, from concept through to construction documentation
• Lead the tender process: preparing tender packages, managing subcontractor and supplier pricing, evaluating returns, and negotiating scope and value
• Develop and maintain detailed take-offs and benchmarking data across trades, materials, and project types
• Work closely with architects, consultants, and site/project management teams to resolve buildability, sequencing, and cost risk during design development
• Track cost variations, escalation, and market movements across live projects, advising on risk and mitigation
• Present cost advice directly to clients and senior management, including on high-value, high-profile builds

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 8-10 years' estimating experience in high end residential
• Demonstrated experience estimating and delivering projects with a value of $20M+
• Strong background across both new-build and complex renovation/heritage refurbishment work is highly regarded
• Advanced skills in estimating and buildsoft, and strong Excel/cost modelling ability
• Excellent negotiation skills with subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants
• High attention to detail balanced with commercial judgement on complex, high-spec projects
• Strong communication skills and comfort presenting cost advice directly to clients and principals

What's on Offer

• Senior role within a well-regarded builder and work on stand out homes across NSW
• Work with a close knit team and join a company with a strong pipeline of work
• Monday to Friday work
• $150,000 to $170,000 + super