Estimator

Overview

Estimate and deliver accurate, competitive tenders for large institutional construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• estimating
• quantity takeoffs
• tender docs
• cost benchmarking
• risk assessment
• stakeholder collaboration

Tasks

-Engaging with subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive and compliant offers, and negotiating pricing terms. -Work on technically interesting projects in live and sensitive environments. -Identifying value-engineering and cost‐saving opportunities without compromising quality or program. -Ensuring continuous monitoring of tender pipeline, maintaining estimating records, and contributing to bid-review debriefs. -Leading the full estimating process from RFPs through to submission: reviewing drawings/specifications, quantity take-offs, subcontractor pricing, supply/plant market checks, risk assessment and margin setting. -Preparing comprehensive tender documentation: cost plans, provisional sums, allowances, build-up schedules, assumptions and clarifications. -Analysing historical project costs and benchmarking for continuous improvement. -Collaborating with design, commercial, operations and site teams to ensure alignment of scope, risk and constructability.

Requirements

• estimator
• quantity take‑off
• tendering
• risk analysis
• commercial awareness
• construction management

What You Bring

-Strong support and flat structure – you’ll be visible, valued and able to grow your career. -A proven Estimator, with significant experience in institutional / education / government construction projects. -Committed to excellence in estimating, tendering and early contractor involvement (ECI) phases. -A tertiary qualification in construction management, quantity surveying or building is preferred; membership of relevant professional body advantageous. -Highly skilled in quantity take-off, tender cost build-up and risk analysis in complex environments. -Commercially aware: you understand margins, cost drivers, subcontractor market dynamics and how to position bids competitively. -Comfortable working under tight deadlines with a strong track record of delivering successful submissions. -Predominantly operating across live environments, restricted access sites and technically complex institutional projects (education, government, heritage). -A strong communicator and collaborator, with ability to work across teams and build relationships internally and externally. -Comfortable working in a builder-focused business culture, hands-on, proactive and committed to high standards. -Trusted, mid-to-large scale head contractor with long-standing history and a strong culture of teamwork, integrity and hands-on delivery.

People Also Searched For

Benefits

-Competitive salary and benefits aligned with experience. -Opportunity to join a business with a longstanding and respected reputation in institutional markets.

About Design & Build Recruitment

-Grown from a niche agency to a trusted specialist, serving Australia's built-environment sectors. -Part of the Search4 group, placing thousands in permanent and temporary roles. -Assignments span major construction, energy, engineering, and property projects, including rail, manufacturing, architecture, and business support. -Teams in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth serve multinational corporations, public agencies, and Australian-owned SMEs. -Consultants specialize in specific disciplines, combining market insight with targeted matchmaking to achieve successful hires. -Offer support for both temporary and permanent placements, including an in-house payroll service for contract staff. -Reputation built on delivering specialist roles, particularly in rail, planning, and energy, often in complex or high-stakes environments.

Sector Specialisms