Estimator

Commercial, government and institutional construction

About the role

Seeking a self-sufficient Estimator to manage commercial and government tenders from start to finish.
This role suits someone who is already confident running tenders independently across projects typically valued between $1m and $5m, with some larger projects up to approximately $12m. The smaller, more detailed projects are often the more complex ones, so this role requires someone who is accurate, organised and commercially sharp.
You will take ownership of the full tender process, from document review and measurement through to trade packaging, quote management, comparison sheets and pricing recommendations.
This is not a junior support role. The right person will be able to control a tender, manage the moving parts, identify gaps or risks early, and provide clear recommendations on which trade pricing should be used.

Key responsibilities

• Manage commercial, government and institutional tenders from initial review through to submission.
• Review tender documents, drawings, specifications, schedules and addenda.
• Maintain strong document control throughout the tender process.
• Measure works and prepare accurate bills of quantities.
• Break down scopes and prepare trade packages for subcontractor pricing.
• Issue tender packages to subcontractors and suppliers.
• Follow up subcontractor quotations and ensure adequate market coverage for each package.
• Review, assess and compare subcontractor quotes using comparison sheets.
• Identify exclusions, qualifications, risks, gaps and inconsistencies in trade pricing.
• Recommend the most suitable pricing option for each trade package.
• Work closely with directors, project managers and delivery teams to review buildability, methodology, programme, risk and margin.
• Assist with tender clarifications, RFIs and post-tender negotiations.
• Prepare tender submission documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and consultants.
• Keep estimating records, pricing data and tender files accurate and up to date.

Experience required

• 3 to 5+ years' estimating experience within commercial construction.
• Proven experience running tenders independently, not just supporting take-offs.
• Experience pricing commercial, government, education, institutional, refurbishment, fit-out or public-sector projects.
• Strong understanding of tender documentation, subcontractor trade packages and BOQ preparation.
• Experience with projects typically ranging from $1m to $5m, with exposure to larger projects up to $12m beneficial.
• Ability to manage the full tender process, including measuring, trade letting, quote follow-up, comparison sheets and pricing recommendations.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor market pricing and trade scope risk.
• Confident reading architectural, structural, services and consultant drawings.
• Experience working in a head contractor or commercial builder environment strongly preferred.

Software and technical skills

• Experience using Cubit Estimating is highly desirable.
• Experience using Cubit Select is highly desirable.
• Strong Excel skills, especially for comparison sheets, pricing summaries and tender analysis.
• Ability to manage tender documentation and maintain accurate records.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, CostX or similar estimating tools may also be considered.

Personal attributes

• Self-sufficient and accountable.
• Detail-focused without getting stuck in the detail.
• Commercially aware and confident making pricing recommendations.
• Organised and calm under tender deadlines.
• Strong communicator with subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Practical, direct and able to identify risk early.
• Comfortable managing multiple tenders or packages at once.
• Reliable, disciplined and able to work without constant supervision.

Ideal background

The strongest candidates will likely come from:

• Commercial builders
• Government/public-sector construction contractors
• Refurbishment and fit-out contractors
• Education, health, council or institutional project builders
• Head contractors delivering projects in the $1m to $12m range

Less ideal backgrounds would be candidates who have only priced single trade packages, residential volume housing, frame and truss, insurance repair, or supplier-side estimates, unless they have already transitioned into broader commercial head-contractor estimating.

Candidate screening priorities

The key question is not simply:
"Can they estimate?"
It is:
"Can they control the whole tender and tell us which number we should trust?"
A strong candidate should be able to explain:

• how they review tender documents
• how they split scopes into trade packages
• how they measure and prepare BOQs
• how they chase and manage subcontractor coverage
• how they compare quotes
• how they identify exclusions and gaps
• how they decide which trade price to carry
• how they manage tender deadlines and document control

Jon Smailes
Recruitment Consultant, Safe Search

ManpowerGroup is committed to being a Diversity Confident Recruiter and encourages applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including people with a disability. Please indicate your preferred method of communication in your resume and please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments should you be contacted for an interview.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

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State: QLD, licensee/s Manpower Services (Australia) Pty Ltd, LHL-02026-D5L4Q. State: QLD, licensee/s Experis Pty Ltd, LHL-02014-Y5F6D. State: SA, licensee/s Manpower Services (Australia) Pty Ltd, LHS 288856