About the Client

An Australian residential construction business specializing in new home builds, renovations, extensions, design, and pre-construction services. Operating in a project-based environment, accurate estimating, cost control, material planning, and timely production support are critical to maintaining profitability and timelines.

Position Overview

The Senior Residential Estimator (Australian Market) prepares detailed, commercially viable construction estimates and supports the transition of projects from sales/design into production. You will interpret plans, perform quantity take-offs, analyze subcontractor pricing, build detailed estimates, identify scope gaps, and ensure final costs reflect full work requirements.

Schedule

•  Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM AEST, with one hour unpaid break 

Key Responsibilities

• Construction Estimating: Review architectural/engineering plans, calculate material, labor, and subcontractor costs, identify scope missing info/risks, and complete accurate estimates within deadlines.
• Quantity Take-Offs: Perform precise take-offs across all construction trades (earthworks, concrete, framing, roofing, interior/exterior finishes, MEP, landscaping, etc.) distinguishing measured quantities, allowances, and fixed costs.
• Tender & Subcontractor Pricing: Prepare scopes of work, issue documentation for quotes, analyze pricing against historical rates, clarify inclusions/exclusions, and maintain an updated pricing database.
• Architectural Plan Analysis: Review drawings, elevations, and revisions to identify dimensions, potential clashes, omitted elements, and structural requirements prior to final pricing.
• Cost Planning & Budget Management: Establish cost categories, monitor budgets against estimates, analyze cost movements, track historical data, and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Production Handover: Prepare comprehensive handover documentation for the construction team, document assumptions/allowances, highlight unusual requirements, and flag potential production risks.
• Variations & Change Orders: Recalculate quantities, gather pricing, and document clear variation costs for client/design/site changes, upgrades, and deductions.
• Value Engineering & Cost Optimization: Recommend cost-effective construction methods, alternative materials, and bulk purchasing options without compromising quality.
• Supplier & Trade Cost Management: Track price movements for major materials/labor rates, identify escalation risks, and maintain strong supplier/subcontractor pricing records.
• Systems & Quality Control: Maintain estimating templates, databases, and trade libraries; perform thorough quality-control reviews (scope, math, margins, allowances) prior to submission.
• Reporting: Prepare cost breakdowns, trade summaries, quote comparisons, budget vs. estimate reports, and cost forecasts for management.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of residential construction estimating (strong background in Australian residential construction/codes preferred).
• Technical Skills: Competency reading architectural/engineering plans, conducting accurate quantity take-offs, and pricing labor, materials, and subcontractor trades.
• Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets. Experience with construction estimating software (e.g., Buildxact, CostX, Bluebeam, Planswift, Cubit, Databuild, Buildsoft) is preferred.
• Core Competencies: Excellent analytical and mathematical skills, strong commercial awareness, high attention to detail, and top-tier written and verbal English communication.
• Workstyle: Self-motivated remote worker capable of managing multiple estimates and deadlines concurrently.

Highly Desirable Experience

• Queensland construction experience (detached homes, high-end custom builds, renovations, or volume residential).
• Deep understanding of Australian subcontractor networks, suppliers, and construction methodology across pre-construction, build, and commercial phases.
• Experience with project cost planning, construction variations, and value engineering.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Estimating Accuracy: Precision in take-offs, trade pricing, labor allowances, and overall project cost forecasts.
• Completeness: Capturing 100% of project scope and minimizing missing items or scope gaps.
• Commercial Performance: Protecting margins through precise variation pricing, value engineering, and cost risk identification.
• Productivity: Turnaround speed, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple concurrent estimates.
• Production Handover: Delivering clear, surprise-free project cost documentation to the construction team.

First 90 Days — Expected Outcomes

• Month 1: Master client templates, processes, software, cost structures, and preferred supplier networks; complete initial estimates under supervision.
• Month 2: Independently complete standard residential estimates, perform quantity take-offs, analyze quotes, flag scope risks, and support production handover.
• Month 3: Fully manage project estimates independently, deliver accurate numbers consistently on deadline, and proactively offer value-engineering insights.

Independent Contractor Perks

• Health insurance coverage for eligible location
• Permanent work from home

• Immediate hiring

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.

Important Disclaimer
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.