Commercial Estimator at Complex Co - Canberra AU — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This is an on-site, office-based role — not suitable for remote work or digital nomads. The position requires physical presence in Canberra, ACT, Australia, with responsibilities that include conducting and coordinating site inspections, hands-on mentoring of in-office estimating teams, and regular engagement with local subcontractors and suppliers. There is no indication of remote or hybrid flexibility.
For location-independent professionals who are drawn to construction and built-environment work, here is what to look for instead:
- Remote estimating roles at larger construction firms that have embraced digital-first workflows — some estimators do work remotely using cloud-based tools like Buildxact or ProEst.
- Construction project management consulting roles that allow hybrid or fully remote arrangements.
- Quantity surveying freelance contracts on platforms like Upwork or industry-specific boards, where take-offs and cost planning can be done remotely.
If you are open to relocating to Canberra, Australia's capital offers a stable government-driven construction market, relatively lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne, and strong demand for experienced estimators. A Skilled Worker visa (subclass 482) or Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189/190) may be pathways for overseas candidates, given construction estimating appears on Australia's skilled occupation lists. Confirm current eligibility with a registered migration agent.
For more than 60 years, Complex Co. has been known for delivering award-winning construction projects across the built environment. Our skillful execution of quality projects is an expression of our personal and professional commitment to connecting and enhancing communities.
As our commercial building pipeline continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Commercial Building Estimator to play a key role in shaping successful tenders, strengthening estimating capability, and supporting the continued expansion of our commercial building arm.
This role will be responsible for delivering accurate, competitive, and well-documented cost estimates for commercial building & construction projects, while also providing day-to-day technical advice and mentoring to the estimating team.
This is a hands-on, influential role for someone who brings strong technical estimating expertise, sound commercial judgement, and the confidence to lead pricing activity across commercial building and construction opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates, budgets, and scopes of work for commercial building and construction tenders
- Review tender documentation (drawings, specifications, RFTs, contracts) to confirm scope, risks, and opportunities
- Conduct and/or coordinate site inspections to assess conditions and identify construction risks
- Perform and review quantity take-offs using Benchmark, Revu, and Excel
- Prepare detailed cost build-ups, subcontractor comparisons, and pricing reconciliations
- Analyse historical project data to support pricing accuracy and continuous improvement
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Estimators
- Act as first point of escalation for estimating queries and technical issues
- Promote consistent estimating methodologies, tools, and documentation standards
- Maintain effective working relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers
About You
- Minimum 8+ years' experience in commercial building and construction estimating
- Demonstrated experience preparing and leading complex commercial building tenders
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies, contract review and risk identification, cost planning and pricing strategy
- Proven ability to mentor and support junior and mid-level estimators
- High-level competency in Benchmark, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Project (Intermediate level)
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Well-developed interpersonal, negotiation, and organisational skills
If this sounds like the role for you, please apply or reach out to Ebony Ison at [email protected]
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