Estimator at McNab - Brisbane Construction Role — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This Estimator role at McNab is an on-site, office-based position in Brisbane (West End), Queensland, Australia. Construction estimating involves close collaboration with project teams, subcontractors, and suppliers, with regular review of physical drawings and site-specific documentation — making this role fundamentally location-dependent. It is not suited to a digital nomad or fully remote lifestyle.
For those travelling to or relocating to Australia, relevant visa options include:
- Skilled Worker Visa (subclass 482 TSS): McNab, as a large $1bn+ employer, may be able to sponsor candidates with relevant construction estimating backgrounds.
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462): Available for those aged 18–35 from eligible countries, though professional roles like this typically require employer sponsorship for longer-term work rights.
- Permanent Skilled Migration (subclass 190/491): Queensland has a skilled migration program that may include construction-related occupations.
Brisbane is a relatively affordable Australian city compared to Sydney or Melbourne. While no salary is listed, experienced estimators in Brisbane typically earn AUD 90,000–130,000+, which provides a comfortable lifestyle locally. There are no travel perks or remote work allowances indicated. If location independence is your priority, this role is not a match — look instead for remote QS or estimating roles with national consultancies.
About McNab
McNab is one of the largest Construction, Development and Property groups in Australia, with turnover now exceeding $1bn each year. Despite our growth and size, we've never lost our small company DNA - which centres around genuine care for our staff, customers and all our stakeholders. Success for us isn't about awards or growth, it's when we deliver so well that our customers are proud to wear a McNab T-Shirt on weekends!
About the Role
Due to growth our Brisbane team is seeking an Estimator who will support the preparation of cost plans, tenders and pricing for repeat work, ECI opportunities and hard dollar tenders. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on estimating work, working with project teams and helping deliver accurate, competitive submissions.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare cost plans, tenders and pricing submissions
- Support repeat work, ECI and hard dollar tender opportunities
- Work with project teams and stakeholders to gather information and prepare submissions
- Review drawings, specifications and project requirements
- Identify risks, gaps and commercial opportunities during the estimating process
- Prepare subcontractor packages and bill of quantities
- Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain pricing
- Maintain up-to-date market rates and pricing information
- Contribute to the preparation of bids across multi-residential, retail and industrial projects
- Use estimating software such as CostX to support accurate pricing and measurement
About You
- Proven estimating experience in multi-residential, retail and/or industrial projects
- Commercially aware with strong attention to detail
- Confident preparing cost plans, tenders and pricing
- Strong communicator with good stakeholder management skills
- Able to work across a range of markets and trades
- Quantity Surveying or related background highly desirable
- Proficient in CostX or similar estimating software
We genuinely care. We make it easy. We deliver certainty.
This is our promise - to our clients, and everyone we deal with. Delivering on these three things really, really well is what drives us at McNab. Everything we do, from recruiting and training to performance and promotion, centres around this promise.
We leverage the entire McNab Group to deliver certainty for our clients at a time of unprecedented uncertainty in the industry. And our approach works. From delivering our own property developments, to manufacturing our own building products, and a plethora of aligned businesses, your career at McNab goes well beyond traditional construction roles.
McNab Benefits
- Annual health and fitness subsidy
- Parental leave program
- Birthday leave
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program and McNab Wellbeing Program
- Internal development opportunities through tailored training programs
This is an outstanding opportunity to build a strong career with a reputable construction company that genuinely cares about the development of all staff - if this is something you want to be a part of, APPLY NOW!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Estimator role at McNab office-based or can it be done remotely?
What types of projects will I work on as an Estimator at McNab?
What estimating software experience is required for this role?
Is a Quantity Surveying qualification required to apply?
What benefits does McNab offer for this role?
