Senior Estimator

Shape Australia; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and profit-share up

Up to 15% profit-share

5 extra leave days per year

Individual Flexibility Plan

Personalised career development

Novated car leasing

Health and wellbeing programs

Personalised parental leave benefits

Regular social events

Job summary

SHAPE Australia is seeking a commercially astute Senior Estimator to lead end-to-end estimating for major commercial fitout, refurbishment and new-build projects in Australia. You’ll guide peers, interpret drawings, manage risk and develop programmes to drive profitable bids.

You’ll build trusted subcontractor and client relationships, lead cost reports, and identify opportunities to enhance competitiveness within a high-performing, values-driven team.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in Estimating or Quantity Surveying in commercial fitout, refurbishment or new build sectors.
• Proven ability to price complex projects in the $10–$100M range and support bid strategy.
• Strong knowledge of trade sequencing, construction methodology and MM (Standard Method of Measurement).

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed take-offs, cost plans and subcontract tender packages for major bids.
• Analyse subcontractor pricing, assess risk and provide recommendations to support bid strategy and profitability.
• Review drawings and specifications for accuracy, buildability and scope completeness.
• Contribute to bid strategy meetings, programme development and tender clarifications (RFIs).
• Support and guide estimators within the team, sharing technical expertise and best practice.
• Prepare and present tender adjudications and cost reports to senior leadership, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Identify value engineering opportunities to enhance competitiveness while preserving design intent and quality.

Skills

Estimating

Quantity Surveying

Bid management

Education

Degree or trade qualification

Tools

CostX

Bluebeam

Procore

MS Office

Job description

• Competitive pay that recognises your expertise, with guaranteed annual reviews
• Clear development path to grow, upskill, and advance your career.
• Recharge with 5 extra Life Leave days every year, on top of your annual leave

Shaping Spaces. Shaping Careers. We shape inspiring spaces and create exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impact – and we’ve been doing it for more than 35 years across Australia. From reimagining workplaces to transforming schools and hospitals, we believe great things happen when talented people are empowered to collaborate, innovate, and push boundaries. At SHAPE, you’ll find a culture where your ideas matter, your growth is nurtured, and your contributions are celebrated.

About the role:
At SHAPE Australia, we’re seeking a commercially astute Senior Estimator to play a key role within our Pre-Construction Estimating team, providing guidance and support to peers and emerging estimators while contributing deep technical expertise across major bids.
You’ll take responsibility for the end-to-end estimating of key commercial fitout, refurbishment and new build projects typically valued between $10–$100M. Managing the preparation and analysis of subcontract tender packages, you’ll ensure submissions are accurate, competitive and aligned with bid strategy and profitability targets.
Bringing strong commercial judgement and attention to detail, you’ll interpret drawings and specifications, manage risk, develop construction programmes and build trusted subcontractor and client relationships — helping secure high-value projects within a values-led, high-performing environment.

• Lead the preparation of detailed take-offs, cost plans and subcontract tender packages for major bids
• Analyse subcontractor pricing, assess risk and provide clear recommendations to support bid strategy and profitability.
• Review drawings and specifications for accuracy, buildability and scope completeness.
• Contribute to bid strategy meetings, programme development and tender clarifications (RFIs).
• Support and guide estimators within the team, sharing technical expertise and best practice.
• Prepare and present tender adjudications and cost reports to senior leadership, clearly articulating key risks, assumptions and opportunities.
• Identify value engineering opportunities to enhance competitiveness while maintaining design intent and quality outcomes.
• Maintain strong subcontractor and client relationships while ensuring compliance with internal systems and risk management processes

About you:
You’re a commercially savvy Senior Estimator with proven experience delivering detailed, accurate estimates on complex commercial fitout, refurbishment and new build projects in the $10–$100M range. With a strong understanding of trade scopes, measurement and construction methodology, you confidently interpret drawings and specifications, identify risk and drive competitive, profitable outcomes.
You bring sharp analytical skills, sound commercial judgement and the ability to see both the detail and the bigger picture. Comfortable working in a fast-paced bid environment, you communicate clearly, build trusted relationships with subcontractors and clients, and naturally support and guide those around you. Degree or trade qualified, with solid experience in estimating or quantity surveying, you’re systems-savvy, solutions-focused and motivated to contribute to a high-performing, values-driven team.

• 3+ years’ experience in Estimating or Quantity Surveying, ideally within commercial fitout, refurbishment and new build sectors.
• Proven experience pricing complex projects in the $10–$100M range, with exposure to head contractor tender environments.
• Strong knowledge of trade sequencing, construction methodology and the Standard Method of Measurement.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and review construction programmes in support of tender submissions.
• High level of proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Project) and experience working with estimating and project delivery systems (e.g. CostX, Bluebeam, Procore).
• Ability to assess commercial and contractual risk, with a sound understanding of bid governance and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Why we’re a great place to work
We have the ambitious vision to be ‘the place where everyone wants to work’. That’s why at SHAPE you’ll enjoy:

• A diverse and inclusive culture, recognised by Human Synergistics and Australian Financial Review
• 5 additional paid leave days every year
• An ‘Individual Flexibility Plan’ that matches your work/life needs
• Personalised career development to fast-track your growth
• Competitive salary and profit-share potential (up to 15%)
• Novated car leasing (to get around more easily AND save on tax)
• Health and wellbeing programs, including mental health support, annual flu vaccinations, and discounted health insurance
• Personalised parental leave benefits for your growing family
• Regular social events to connect with your colleagues, subcontractors, and clients