Estimator - Entry Level

Kickstart your career as an Estimator with one of South Australia's most respected steel construction companies.

This is your chance to learn from two highly experienced Senior Estimators, gaining hands-on mentoring while contributing to projects that shape our skylines and strengthen our nation's defence. From landmark commercial builds to submarines and defence facilities.

You'll be supported in every step of your journey, where curiosity, learning, and teamwork are valued. Where you are part of a thriving culture, where people feeling supported and balanced, is just as important as the projects delivered.

The Company

This steel fabrication and construction company has an excellent local and national reputation, and is  sought after for large construction projects. The combined experience of the ownership team is of the richest in the country, spanning all facets of steel fabrication and construction.

Strengthened by significant tonne cranage capacity, CNC production machines that utilise the very latest technologies, and a team that cares about quality, this company has become the 'go to' steel fabrication and construction supplier for large SA defence, commercial and industrial projects that require the highest quality fabrication and construction standards.

The South Australian Managing Director has harnessed a great deal of industry respect; known for being a highly ethical operator, who places an emphasis on building and maintaining a people centric culture. Core business values include providing the highest standard of steelwork available, producing the best quality product, and supporting the development of a highly competent and cohesive team, ensuring employees feel happy and live balanced lives. Having a culture that people want to join, develop in, and don't want to leave; as well as harnessing the ongoing respect and commitment of the most reliable sub-contractor base; has been the cornerstone to this company's success.

Genuine care for others has become a shared value throughout the organisation, whereby colleagues show active support for one another. If a colleague needs help, whether personally or professionally, the team rally to support. This has undeniably created a unique workplace culture rarely seen to such an extent within the realm of steel fabrication and construction.

The Role

This entry level Estimator role is a heavily mentored position, where you will develop a broad and robust skill set in what is a critical function within the organisation, sitting at the intersection of technical knowledge, financial control and project delivery.

Supporting two Senior Estimators, you will gradually be exposed to new responsibilities, commencing on smaller value projects initially, and as your technical knowledge and skills build hand in hand over time, you will be exposed to increasingly complex and higher value projects.  

By developing a technical and accurate skill set in estimating, learning alongside two highly experienced experts, you will contribute to ensuring the company wins the right jobs at the right price, maintains profitability, and builds a reputation for reliability.

Steel fabrication and construction projects involve complex construction drawings (inclusive of architectural and engineering documents); and as an Estimator you will learn to read, analyse and interpret drawings to build a bill of quantities (spanning material quantities, labour hours, plant and equipment, and subcontractor and supplier inputs) within a comprehensive Excel spreadsheet.

As a baseline level of experience for this role, you will need to be able to read technical construction drawings and be highly proficient with the use of Excel. An appetite for learning and development is critical, as this will be a role that will require you to be curious and ready to absorb information.

You will either have a qualification in engineering, construction or quantity surveying; or have a trade background in steel fabrication; or be someone with some experience in the construction industry and keen to pivot into Estimating. Either way, this company will provide you with a long and rewarding path in Estimating, where you will be part of a brilliant culture that offers future career prospects.

In manageable stages you will accumulate knowledge, starting with some of the less complex projects, and working your way up to perform the following:

Tendering & Cost Estimation

• Analyse drawings, specifications, and scope documents for tender opportunities.
• From construction drawings prepare detailed cost estimates covering materials, fabrication labour, coatings, transport, cranage, site erection, and subcontracted works.
• Develop tender submissions including inclusions, exclusions, and clarifications.

Costing & Pricing Strategy

• Source and update steel pricing and consumable costs.
• Obtain and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Apply realistic labour productivity rates based on historical data.
• Recommend pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and profitability.

Risk & Value Management

• Identify risks that may impact cost, delivery, or profitability.
• Apply contingencies and alternatives where appropriate.
• Suggest value engineering opportunities to clients when feasible.

Project Handover & Support

• Provide detailed estimate breakdowns and assumptions to the project delivery team.
• Support procurement during the buyout stage.
• Assist Project Managers with cost-related queries during execution.

Continuous Improvement & Market Intelligence

• Maintain an up to date database of historical project costs.
• Benchmark costs against industry standards and competitor pricing.
• Capture lessons learned to improve future estimating accuracy.

Application

To apply for this excellent opportunity to develop well rounded skills and experience, click on the 'apply' button and submit your CV and Cover Letter as Word documents.

For a strictly confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, contact Sam on