Estimating Manager

About Our Client

Our client is a residential building business based at Eagle Farm, Brisbane. Estimating sits at the centre of the business: every project we take to market is priced from our own designs, quantity take-offs and supplier and trade rates, managed in Databuild and integrated with our Onsite Companion workflow system. Our current Estimating Manager ( Data build)

The Role

The Estimating Manager is responsible for developing and executing our estimating program, using the fully integrated Databuild system within our workflow system. It is a hands-on role: preparing the take- offs, budgets and estimates, negotiating and managing supplier and trade pricing, and leading and mentoring the estimating team, with a clear focus on maximising the company's profitability.

The role reports directly to the Managing Director and works closely with our construction, operations and product development teams to keep project delivery cost-effective and aligned with the business's objectives. We are looking for someone committed, reliable and an enthusiastic team player, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Databuild and pricing database - Operate and maintain our integrated Databuild system,keeping the cost-code database and catalogue accurate and up to date, and maintaining the flow of data from Databuild into Onsite Companion.

Take-offs, bills of quantities and plan reviews - Prepare, analyse and maintain accurate quantity take-offs and bills of quantities to meet budget requirements, authorise BOQ and Job Analysis Reports, and conduct technical plan reviews at both the Preliminary Plans and Working Drawings stages.

Pricing and estimates - Present cost estimates for customer proposals (factoring in general and special conditions), and ensure all sales estimates meet budget and are completed within business timelines.

Scopes of works and procurement - Develop scopes of works for external stakeholders, ensure quotations and work are completed accordingly, and identify cost-saving opportunities through creative supplier and subcontractor negotiations.

Budgets and cost reporting - Submit budgets for management approval within required deadlines, monitor actual costs against budget, and report project progress and budget profitability to management so pricing can be adjusted accurately.

Suppliers, subcontractors and compliance - Foster and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to enhance cost efficiency and quality, and ensure all trades hold valid licences and insurances, with accurate records kept in Onsite Companion

Team and business support - Lead and mentor the estimating team to ensure timely delivery of estimates, assist with internal projects as required by management, and uphold high professional and ethical standards.

Our Systems

Our estimating and operations run on the following platforms. Hands-on Databuild experience is essential for this role; we will train the right person on the rest.

• Databuild - construction estimating, job costing and accounting - the core of our estimating program.
• Onsite Companion - site and project management, linked to Databuild, including trade licence and insurance records.
• Therefore - document management and invoice approval workflow.

Skills And Experience

A minimum of five years' experience in an estimating role within the construction industry, ideally in residential building.

Relevant qualifications in construction management, quantity surveying or estimating, or equivalent experience.

Expertise in Databuild operation, administration and maintenance, including the ability to develop and maintain a pricing database with cost codes.

Strong knowledge of cost estimation, bills of quantities and material take-offs, experience conducting technical plan reviews at the preliminary and working drawing stages, and a working understanding of subcontractor compliance (licensing and insurance requirements).

Ability to prepare detailed budgets, review and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations for cost efficiency, and generate cost reports with clear recommendations to management.

A confident negotiator who builds ethical, professional relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, with strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting to management and dealing with clients when required.

Analytical, detail-oriented and highly organised, able to find cost savings without compromising quality; proactive and results-driven, with an eye for process improvements.

Able to manage multiple projects and changing priorities under deadline pressure, work autonomously, and lead and mentor junior estimators.