Job Overview:

Our client is looking for a detail-driven Australian Residential Construction Estimator to support accurate and timely estimating for an Australian residential construction business. The role is primarily focused on residential renovations, extensions, and additions, including reviewing plans and specifications, completing quantity takeoffs, preparing detailed cost estimates, and supporting accurate project pricing. The ideal candidate has proven experience in Australian residential construction estimating, is highly analytical and commercially minded, and can independently produce accurate estimates from construction drawings and project documentation.

Schedule:

Full-time Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sydney Timezone, with 1 hour unpaid break (40 work hours per week)

Responsibilities:

Residential Estimating & Costing (Core Focus)

• Prepare accurate project estimates and pricing based on scope, drawings, plans, and specifications
• Estimate Australian residential renovation, extension, and addition projects
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural and construction drawings
• Build detailed cost breakdowns covering labour, materials, trades, subcontractors, and other project costs
• Review project scope to ensure all required work and costs are captured
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, and potential cost risks
• Review and validate supplier and subcontractor pricing
• Update estimates based on scope changes, revised drawings, variations, and client requirements
• Maintain consistency and accuracy across estimates and pricing structures

Tender, Supplier & Pricing Support

• Request and follow up supplier and subcontractor quotations
• Review, compare, and analyse received quotations
• Incorporate accurate supplier and subcontractor pricing into estimates
• Identify pricing discrepancies or unusual cost variations
• Assist with tender and quotation preparation
• Prepare clear cost summaries and pricing breakdowns for owner review
• Assist with alternative pricing and value-engineering options where appropriate
• Ensure estimates and pricing are completed within agreed deadlines

Estimating Quality & Administration

• Review estimates against drawings, specifications, and project scope before submission
• Maintain accurate estimating records, pricing information, templates, and supporting documentation
• Keep supplier and subcontractor pricing information organised and up to date
• Track estimating deadlines and prioritise multiple projects as required
• Maintain clear documentation of estimating assumptions and exclusions
• Identify recurring estimating errors, gaps, or inefficiencies
• Communicate missing information or clarification requirements promptly
• Work closely with the owner and construction team to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements

Process Improvement & SOP Creation

• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, efficiency, and consistency
• Document recurring estimating and quantity takeoff processes
• Create and maintain SOPs, checklists, templates, and estimating guidelines
• Standardise estimating workflows and best practices where appropriate
• Identify process bottlenecks and recommend practical improvements
• Maintain and update SOPs as estimating processes, systems, and business requirements evolve
• Use AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT where appropriate to improve productivity, documentation, and workflow efficiency

Requirements:

• 3+ years of proven construction estimating experience
• Direct experience in Australian residential construction
• Strong experience with residential renovations, extensions, and additions
• Proven experience conducting quantity takeoffs and preparing detailed cost estimates
• Ability to confidently interpret architectural drawings, plans, specifications, and scopes of work
• Experience pricing materials, labour, trades, and subcontractor costs
• Experience obtaining, reviewing, and comparing supplier and subcontractor quotations
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail
• Understanding of Australian residential construction processes, terminology, and project workflows
• Ability to identify scope gaps, cost risks, and inconsistencies
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills
• Ability to work independently and consistently meet deadlines
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Comfortable working remotely with minimal supervision

Qualifications (Nice to Have):

• Experience estimating Australian renovation and extension projects
• Experience working directly with Australian builders or construction companies
• Experience with construction estimating or quantity takeoff software
• Experience with Cubit Estimating
• Experience with Wunderbuild
• Familiarity with Australian building standards and construction practices
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for estimating and cost analysis
• Experience using AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT for productivity and process documentation

Key Traits for Success:

• Detail-oriented and highly precise
• Strong numerical and analytical ability
• Commercially minded and cost-conscious
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Confident interpreting construction drawings and documentation
• Proactive in identifying scope gaps and cost risks
• Organised and deadline-driven
• Accuracy- and systems-focused
• Able to work independently and take ownership
• Proactive in communicating issues and following up outstanding information
• Adaptable and willing to continuously improve estimating processes

Key Success Measures (Success in this role will be measured by):

• 95%+ accuracy across estimates and quantity takeoffs
• Estimates completed within agreed deadlines
• Minimal pricing errors, omissions, and avoidable rework
• Complete coverage of project scope, including appropriate assumptions and exclusions
• Accurate supplier and subcontractor pricing incorporated into estimates
• Effective identification of scope gaps and potential cost risks before estimates are finalised
• Clear and organised estimating documentation
• Consistent use of standardised estimating processes and templates
• Creation and maintenance of practical estimating SOPs
• Implementation of measurable process improvements that improve estimating accuracy or efficiency

Independent Contractor Perks:

• Permanent work from home
• Immediate hiring
• Health Insurance Coverage for eligible locations

Note:

Please click the "Apply" button to complete your application, including the assessment questions, technical check, and voice recording. Your hourly pay rate will be established based on your performance in the application process; submissions with all requirements fulfilled will receive priority review.

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BruntWork never charges fees for applying or any part of the hiring process—it is 100% free. If you are ever asked for payment, please stop and report it immediately to our official email us through the ‘Contact Us’ form on our official BruntWork website.