Estimator / Contract Administrator

Position : Estimator / Contract Administrator

Salary : $1800 - $2500 AUD per month

Working Hours : Full-time Remote, AU business hours.

Holidays : TBA

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

An established, Melbourne-based residential construction company specializing in custom homes, residential renovations, extensions, and project management. The business takes a hands-on approach from initial planning and budgeting through to construction and completion, with a strong commitment to quality, attention to detail, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

As the business continues to grow, the company is seeking an experienced Estimator / Contract Administrator to provide dedicated support across estimating, quoting, procurement, and construction administration.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

This is a hands-on role for someone who understands residential construction and can take ownership of the estimating and quoting process.

A major focus will be helping the Director turn around quotes faster and accurately, ensuring new opportunities don't become bottlenecked while also supporting the administration of active projects.

You will work from plans, sketches, specifications and project information to prepare estimates and tenders, complete take-offs, assist with ordering and keep project information organized.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Estimating & Tendering

• Prepare detailed estimates, quotes and tenders using Buildxact or similar estimating software.
• Complete material, labour and trade take-offs.
• Review architectural plans, sketches, specifications and scopes of work.
• Build accurate project costings using existing templates, supplier pricing and historical information.
• Update estimates following changes to plans, selections or project scope.
• Assist with maintaining pricing databases, estimating templates and supplier information.
• Identify missing information, inconsistencies or potential cost issues before quotes are finalized.

Contract & Project Administration

• Support the Director with day-to-day construction administration.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation and records.
• Assist with purchase orders and ordering materials for active projects.
• Coordinate supplier information, pricing and documentation.
• Track project requirements and ensure administrative items are followed through.
• Maintain organized digital project files and documentation.
• Assist with variations and changes throughout the project lifecycle where required.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2+ years' experience in estimating, contract administration or a similar residential construction role.
• Strong experience across residential renovations, extensions and/or custom homes.
• Previous experience supporting Australian construction projects is highly preferred.
• Strong estimating, take-off and tender preparation skills.
• Practical experience with Buildxact is highly desirable.
• Experience with AdminPro or comparable construction/estimating platforms will also be considered.
• Ability to confidently interpret architectural plans, sketches and construction specifications.
• Experience obtaining and working with supplier and subcontractor pricing.
• Strong understanding of material and labor costing.
• Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.

Who We're Looking For:

We are looking for someone who can become a reliable extension of the Director rather than simply waiting to be assigned individual tasks.

You should be:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable working independently.
• Proactive about chasing missing information.
• Confident raising questions before they become problems.
• Able to manage multiple quotes and projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving building environment.
• Accountable for deadlines and the accuracy of your work.
• Able to communicate clearly when priorities conflict or additional information is required.

While speed is essential to the role, accuracy is paramount. The successful candidate will help increase overall quoting capacity without compromising quality.

What Success Looks Like:

The successful candidate will progressively take ownership of the estimating and administration workload. This will enable the Director to reduce administrative desk time and focus on site operations, client relationships, and strategic business growth.