Introduction
Australia’s construction industry continues to flourish, with billions of dollars invested annually in infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects across major cities. Among the driving forces behind this progress are professional estimators, experts who ensure that every project, from concept to completion, is financially sound and strategically planned.
For skilled professionals seeking not just employment but a rewarding, long-term career with a national builder, the Senior Estimator (New Build | Commercial) position with Randstad in Maroubra, NSW, represents a golden opportunity. This is not just another construction role; it’s a chance to join one of Australia’s most respected commercial builders, known for its rapid growth, strong internal culture, and commitment to excellence.
The company’s impressive track record of delivering projects worth between $500,000 and $50 million, coupled with its forward-thinking approach and dynamic team environment, makes it an ideal home for driven individuals who thrive on challenge and precision. Randstad’s client, a National Commercial Builder, has continued to expand even during uncertain economic times, tripling in size within the past five years and securing a full pipeline of work well into 2026.
This role is designed for professionals who combine technical expertise with commercial insight, those who not only understand the numbers but also the story they tell, about efficiency, value, and opportunity. As a Senior Estimator, you will play a key role in shaping the success of major construction projects across NSW, influencing key decisions and driving profitable outcomes for a company that rewards talent and ambition.
Whether you’re an experienced estimator looking to advance your career or an international professional interested in working with one of Australia’s leading builders, this position offers more than a paycheck; it offers growth, recognition, and the chance to make a tangible impact in one of the most competitive and rewarding construction markets in the world.
About the Employer
The firm behind this exciting opportunity is a National Commercial Builder that has become synonymous with excellence, growth, and innovation in Australia’s construction landscape. Backed by years of consistent performance and a reputation for quality delivery, the company has carved out a prominent position as an industry leader in new builds, fit-outs, and refurbishments. Their portfolio spans a diverse mix of commercial projects, from high-end office complexes and retail developments to large-scale refurbishments that transform existing spaces into modern, functional environments.
Over the past five years, this organization has achieved remarkable expansion, tripling in size through a combination of strategic foresight, operational efficiency, and a strong emphasis on hiring top-tier talent. Their formula is simple yet effective: pursue only high-caliber professionals who embody ambition, precision, and accountability, and then provide them with an environment where they can thrive.
At the core of the company’s success lies its Estimating Team, a group of detail-oriented professionals whose analytical minds and commercial instincts help shape every successful bid. As a Senior Estimator, you will join this team of like-minded individuals, working collaboratively to price and prepare competitive tenders for projects ranging from $500,000 to $50 million.
You will not just be crunching numbers; you will be engaging in the strategic process that determines the company’s project wins. Every estimate you prepare contributes to the builder’s ongoing success, and your insights will directly influence which opportunities are pursued and how resources are allocated. This makes your role not only critical but deeply rewarding; the kind of position where precision meets purpose.
Randstad, acting as the recruitment partner, emphasizes that this isn’t a routine estimating role. It is a career-defining opportunity to work with a nationally recognized builder that values not just technical skills, but also innovation, teamwork, and integrity. The company offers a permanent position with competitive pay, career stability, and an inclusive environment that encourages both professional growth and work-life balance.
As part of this team, you will gain exposure to the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility analysis and tender preparation to post-award handover. You will collaborate closely with architects, project managers, engineers, and suppliers, ensuring that every cost plan reflects both accuracy and opportunity. The firm’s commitment to technology and modern estimating methods also means you’ll be working with cutting-edge tools and digital systems that enhance efficiency and collaboration.
Whether you are preparing detailed cost estimates, analyzing subcontractor pricing, or contributing to tender strategies, your work will have a direct and visible impact on the company’s success. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys both independent analytical work and team-driven collaboration, combining autonomy with the satisfaction of shared achievement.
About the Role
As a Senior Estimator, you will be a key contributor to the company’s success. Your role will center on pricing, planning, and preparing tenders for commercial projects across New Build, Fit-Out, and Refurbishment divisions.
You will join a team of experienced estimators who share your passion for precision and collaboration. Every project you work on, whether it is a multimillion-dollar office development or a large-scale public facility, will carry your signature attention to detail.
The company values autonomy and initiative. You’ll have the independence to make key decisions, supported by a management team that respects expertise and encourages innovation.
This is not just a desk job; it is a strategic position that bridges cost control, design insight, and project management. Your estimates will guide major business decisions, influencing project feasibility, profitability, and long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Estimator in this dynamic commercial construction firm, you will play a strategic and operational role in shaping the company’s bidding success and financial precision. This is not just a numbers role; it is a position that requires commercial insight, stakeholder collaboration, and the ability to see both the big picture and the smallest cost detail.
You will be part of a high-performing Estimating Team responsible for tendering diverse projects ranging from small-scale fit-outs to complex new builds exceeding $50 million AUD. Your contributions will directly determine how the company competes and wins in Australia’s thriving commercial construction market.
Below is a detailed outline of your core responsibilities and expectations:
1. Estimating and Cost Planning
- Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for new build, refurbishment, and fit-out projects.
- Analyze project drawings, specifications, and documentation to identify all materials, labor, and overhead requirements.
- Develop comprehensive Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and pricing breakdowns that reflect real-time market conditions.
- Conduct cost analysis for alternative construction methods and materials to optimize project value.
- Prepare tender documentation that is both precise and aligned with client expectations.
2. Tender Preparation and Submission
- Lead the tendering process from initial bid review to final submission, ensuring all deadlines and compliance requirements are met.
- Coordinate with project managers, design consultants, and subcontractors to gather accurate cost data.
- Identify project risks and incorporate appropriate contingencies within estimates.
- Present and defend tender submissions to senior leadership, offering recommendations on pricing strategy and feasibility.
- Ensure that all cost plans are reviewed for accuracy and alignment with company profitability goals.
3. Supplier and Subcontractor Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring access to competitive pricing.
- Evaluate subcontractor bids to verify compliance, capability, and alignment with project scope.
- Maintain an updated supplier database and track performance for future tenders.
- Negotiate pricing and terms to achieve optimal cost savings without compromising quality.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with project managers, site supervisors, and engineers to align cost projections with actual build realities.
- Provide ongoing estimating support during the pre-construction and handover phases.
- Communicate tender strategies clearly to internal stakeholders to ensure smooth transition post-award.
- Support junior estimators and share best practices within the team, promoting a culture of continuous learning.
5. Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare post-tender reviews, cost summaries, and variance reports to analyze project outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
- Maintain detailed records of all estimates, pricing adjustments, and correspondence.
- Ensure compliance with internal quality assurance systems and project management frameworks.
- Utilize estimating software and digital tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in data handling.
6. Professional Standards and Continuous Improvement
- Stay current with market trends, construction technologies, and regulatory updates impacting the estimating process.
- Contribute to the refinement of internal estimating procedures, templates, and databases.
- Demonstrate professionalism and discretion when dealing with confidential project information.
- Uphold the company’s values of integrity, collaboration, and excellence in every interaction.
This role demands not just technical proficiency, but a forward-thinking mindset. The ideal Senior Estimator is someone who can anticipate project challenges, analyze complex data swiftly, and transform that knowledge into clear, actionable insights. With projects spanning multiple sectors and scales, your day-to-day work will constantly evolve, keeping you intellectually engaged and professionally fulfilled.
Qualifications and Skills
To thrive as a Senior Estimator (New Build | Commercial) with this nationally recognized builder, you will need more than just technical expertise. The role requires a blend of analytical strength, industry knowledge, and the interpersonal finesse to navigate complex stakeholder relationships. You will be expected to combine precision in estimating with strategic insight, transforming raw data into competitive bids that align with business goals and client expectations.
Below are the core qualifications and competencies that define the ideal candidate:
1. Educational Background
- A Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building, or a related discipline is essential.
- Additional certifications in cost planning, estimating software, or project management are highly desirable and demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence.
- Ongoing professional development (CPD) through recognized industry bodies such as the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is an advantage.
2. Professional Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of proven experience working as an Estimator or Senior Estimator with a recognized Australian builder.
- Demonstrated success in pricing and managing projects valued at over $2 million, preferably within the commercial, fit-out, or refurbishment sectors.
- Strong background in new build construction, with familiarity in both public and private tender environments.
- Experience working with Tier 1, 2, or 3 builders, showcasing your adaptability and exposure to varying project complexities and scales.
3. Technical Expertise
- Thorough understanding of construction methodologies, building codes, and industry standards relevant to the Australian market.
- Proficiency in modern estimating software (e.g., Buildsoft, CostX, Cubit) and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for detailed cost modeling.
- Ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive bills of quantities, take-offs, and cost plans under tight deadlines.
- Strong grasp of tender documentation, specification analysis, and scope review to ensure clarity and compliance.
- Understanding of subcontractor pricing, risk allocation, and value engineering principles to optimize cost efficiency.
4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, allowing you to interact confidently with clients, colleagues, and subcontractors.
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.
- Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to collaborate, mentor junior estimators, and share industry insights.
- Well-developed presentation skills for delivering tender strategies and cost findings to senior management.
5. Analytical and Organizational Abilities
- Highly analytical with a meticulous approach to detail, ensuring that no variable or cost component is overlooked.
- Excellent time management and multitasking abilities to handle multiple tenders simultaneously.
- Commercially astute, able to evaluate not just the cost, but the overall financial impact of design and scope decisions.
- Resourceful and proactive in identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising project quality.
6. Personal Attributes
- Ambitious and self-motivated, with a passion for delivering exceptional results.
- Adaptable and calm under pressure, especially in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
- Ethical, transparent, and aligned with the company’s culture of integrity and teamwork.
- Driven by professional growth, with a continuous desire to learn, improve, and contribute to long-term business success.
This role is designed for a career-focused professional, someone ready to elevate their estimating expertise in a high-impact environment. The firm values both experience and potential, meaning your initiative, attitude, and leadership qualities are just as important as your technical credentials.
By joining this team, you will be positioned at the forefront of commercial construction, contributing to landmark projects that shape Australia’s built environment.
Salary and Benefits
When it comes to compensation, this role offers more than a paycheque; it offers a professional ecosystem where hard work, precision, and loyalty are genuinely rewarded. The company understands that attracting and retaining top-tier talent in today’s competitive construction landscape means fostering an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and supported.
Competitive Compensation
The Senior Estimator (New Build | Commercial) position offers a base salary ranging from AUD $140,000 to $230,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and proven track record in commercial project estimating. This salary range positions the role well above industry average, reflecting both the complexity of the projects and the strategic influence this position holds within the organization.
Performance-based reviews and incremental increases are also part of the company’s approach to long-term staff retention, meaning your compensation will continue to evolve as you deliver results and assume more leadership within the team.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
In addition to a competitive base salary, the company offers a robust suite of benefits that promote well-being, financial stability, and career longevity:
- Company Pension Scheme: Secure your future with employer contributions toward your retirement savings.
- Paid Annual Leave: Enjoy ample time off to recharge, including generous annual leave allocations and recognized public holidays.
- Sick Pay: Access paid sick leave that prioritizes health without financial worry.
- Flexible Scheduling: Work within a Monday-to-Friday framework that supports work-life balance, including options for hybrid arrangements when required.
- Professional Development: Regular opportunities for training, mentorship, and advancement within the company.
- Career Progression Pathways: Clear and attainable routes to move into senior leadership or estimating management roles over time.
Culture and Workplace Environment
The firm’s culture is built on trust, collaboration, and growth. The leadership team takes pride in maintaining a workplace that combines high performance with genuine support, recognizing that happy and motivated employees deliver the best results.
Their offices located in Maroubra, NSW are modern, spacious, and technology-driven, providing everything needed for precision estimating and creative collaboration. Designed for comfort and productivity, these workspaces feature glass-partitioned areas, ergonomic setups, and cutting-edge software systems that streamline daily operations.
The company’s hybrid work model also allows estimators to combine onsite collaboration with remote flexibility, ensuring an ideal balance between focused concentration and teamwork.
A Culture of Belonging and Recognition
This company believes that every employee should feel seen, heard, and appreciated. From celebrating project wins to recognizing individual milestones, appreciation is woven into the organizational fabric.
Here’s what sets their culture apart:
- Diversity and Inclusion: The workplace actively promotes equal opportunity and values diversity of thought, background, and experience.
- Employee Engagement: Expect regular team-building events, sporting outings, and celebrations such as Melbourne Cup gatherings and family-inclusive social events.
- Work-Life Balance: Staff are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance between professional achievement and personal well-being.
- Collaborative Environment: Teams operate on open communication, with senior leaders remaining approachable and invested in your success.
Why This Environment Stands Out
Many construction firms claim to value their people, but this one demonstrates it daily. The company’s consistent growth, employee retention, and industry reputation stem directly from their commitment to creating a supportive yet high-achieving culture. Estimators are not treated as back-office number crunchers; they are regarded as key decision-makers shaping the company’s future direction.
In this environment, your expertise is not just recognized; it is celebrated and amplified. You will have the freedom to take ownership of your estimates, propose innovations in cost planning, and collaborate with project leaders who respect and trust your judgment.
Work Culture and Environment
Step inside their offices and you will immediately notice the difference. Bright, spacious, and equipped with cutting-edge technology, the environment has been carefully designed to boost productivity and wellbeing.
The company’s culture centers around trust, transparency, and teamwork. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work while enjoying the support of experienced mentors. Team celebrations, professional development programs, and open communication all contribute to a workplace that feels more like a community than a corporation.
Their motto could be summed up in one line: “Build with purpose. Grow with passion.”
How to Apply
To apply for the Senior Estimator – New Build (Commercial) position, please prepare your updated CV in Word format and send it directly to:
📧 Hannah Lovelock – Randstad Australia
📞 Phone: 0412 872 301
✉️ Email: hannah.lovelock@randstad.com.au
Alternatively, you can apply through the official Randstad job portal or the Apply button on the original posting to ensure secure processing of your application.
If you prefer a confidential discussion before applying, feel free to text or email Hannah to arrange a convenient time.
Application Deadline
📅 Applications close: 3 February 2026
Early submissions are strongly encouraged, as this position is expected to attract a high number of qualified candidates.
Why This Role Matters
Estimators are the unseen strategists of construction; the professionals who bring balance to creativity and cost. By joining this firm, you will not just be pricing projects; you will be helping to shape the next generation of Australia’s commercial landscape.
This position is an opportunity to challenge yourself, elevate your expertise, and contribute to projects that will stand the test of time. If precision motivates you, teamwork inspires you, and ambition defines you, this is where you belong.
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Conclusion
At Randstad, diversity is more than policy; it is principle. The company proudly provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, or orientation. They actively encourage applications from all communities, believing that inclusion fuels innovation.
