Senior Estimator - Residential Construction

Gough Recruitment QLD; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gough Recruitment QLD is assisting a leading residential builder in South East Queensland to recruit an experienced Senior Estimator. The role offers ownership of the estimating function across multiple projects and collaboration with procurement, drafting and operations teams.

You will lead detailed estimates for high-volume residential housing, drive cost efficiencies, mentor junior estimators and contribute to business planning and feasibility activities within a supportive leadership

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering detailed residential project estimates.
• Strong understanding of procurement, contracts and cost planning.
• Excellent analytical and commercial mindset with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate and detailed construction estimates for residential projects.
• Review plans, specs, and requirements to establish project costs.
• Manage estimating databases, rates, supplier pricing and benchmarks.
• Identify value engineering opportunities with procurement and construction teams.
• Assess variations and cost impacts throughout the lifecycle.
• Mentor junior estimators and improve estimating processes.

Skills

Residential construction

Estimating

Cost planning

Value engineering

Project cost control

Education

Construction Management

Quantity Surveying

Job description

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists to join a leading residential builder with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality communities across South East Queensland.

With a substantial pipeline of residential housing projects and continued business growth, this role offers the opportunity to take ownership of the estimating function across multiple projects while working closely with construction, procurement, drafting and operational teams.

This position is ideally suited to an experienced Senior Estimator looking to influence business outcomes, drive cost efficiencies and play a key role in the successful delivery of a high-volume residential construction program.

About the Role

• Lead the preparation of accurate and detailed construction estimates across residential housing projects.
• Review plans, specifications, engineering documentation and contract requirements to establish project costs.
• Manage and maintain estimating databases, rates, supplier pricing and cost benchmarks.
• Work closely with procurement and construction teams to identify value engineering opportunities and cost efficiencies.
• Assess variations, scope changes and cost impacts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors and consultants to obtain competitive pricing and market intelligence.
• Provide commercial input into project feasibility, budgets and business planning activities.
• Mentor and support junior estimators while contributing to the continuous improvement of estimating processes.

What's on Offer

• Join a well-established and growing residential construction business.
• Significant pipeline of current and future residential projects.
• Opportunity to influence project outcomes and business performance.
• High level of autonomy and ownership within the estimating function.
• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Stable, long-term career opportunity with a market-leading business.
• Attractive remuneration package and genuine progression opportunities.

About You

• Experienced Estimator or Senior Estimator with a residential construction background.
• Demonstrated experience preparing detailed project estimates for volume, medium-density or custom housing projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, contracts, specifications and residential building practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong commercial mindset.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work across multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive and solutions-focused professional who enjoys collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

You Will Possess

• Minimum 8 years' experience within estimating, cost planning or a related construction discipline.
• Proven track record delivering accurate estimates within the residential construction sector.
• Strong understanding of procurement, subcontractor engagement and supplier negotiations.
• Experience reviewing drawings, specifications and construction documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Relevant qualifications in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Building or a related discipline.

Why Consider This Role?

This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded residential builder with a strong reputation for quality, innovation and long-term success in the Queensland market.

You’ll play a critical role in shaping project outcomes, supporting business growth and ensuring commercial success across a diverse portfolio of residential developments, while enjoying the backing of an experienced and collaborative leadership team.

For experienced estimating professionals seeking career progression, stability and the opportunity to make a genuine impact within a growing business, this represents an outstanding opportunity.