Estimator / Contract Administrator

Work Arrangement: Full Remote
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, aligned with Melbourne business hours, with at least 6 hours of overlap
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Tools: Company laptop and required system access provided

Job Description

Position Objectives

Support Rawlinson Constructions' residential building projects through accurate construction estimating and effective contract administration.

This role is approximately 50% estimating and 50% contract administration, covering everything from reviewing construction drawings and preparing project estimates to managing procurement, variations and subcontractor documentation.

The ideal candidate has experience in Australian residential construction, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage estimating and administrative tasks across multiple projects.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating and Tender Preparation

• Review architectural, structural and engineering drawings, specifications and other project documentation.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and detailed project cost estimates.
• Calculate material and labour costs across various construction trades.
• Request, follow up and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Prepare tender submissions, including scope summaries, inclusions, exclusions and allowances.
• Identify scope gaps, raise RFIs and flag potential construction or pricing risks.
• Update estimates and project costs in Buildertrend.

Contract Administration and Procurement

• Prepare and manage project variations, including cost breakdowns and supporting documentation.
• Prepare subcontractor scopes of work, agreements and onboarding documentation.
• Prepare and manage purchase orders (POs) for suppliers and subcontractors.
• Match supplier invoices and subcontractor claims against approved purchase orders.
• Coordinate material orders, supplier quotations, product selections and delivery schedules.
• Monitor project budgets, committed costs and potential cost overruns.

Project Coordination and Documentation

• Maintain accurate project records, cost reports, quotations and document registers.
• Assist with progress claims and monthly project cost reporting.
• Coordinate with site supervisors, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor tender deadlines, outstanding quotations and project updates.
• Prepare RFIs and project-related correspondence for management review.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• At least 3 years of experience estimating Australian residential construction projects, including new builds, extensions or renovations.
• At least 2 years of experience in contract administration or construction administration.
• Strong understanding of Australian residential construction methods, materials and building processes.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural and engineering drawings.
• Proven experience in quantity takeoffs, BOQs, cost estimation and supplier/subcontractor pricing.
• Experience handling variations, purchase orders, subcontractor documentation and procurement.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience using construction estimating or takeoff software such as Cubit, CostX, PlanSwift or Bluebeam.
• Strong written English, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines and proactively identify issues.
• Degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or equivalent qualification.

Desirable

• Experience with custom or high-end residential construction.
• Previous experience working with a Victorian residential builder.
• Familiarity with Buildertrend, Xero and Google Workspace.
• Knowledge of Australian building standards, NCC/BCA, HIA/MBA contracts and Victorian residential construction requirements.
• Familiarity with Australian suppliers and construction materials.

Work Arrangement

• Full-time remote position.
• Monday to Friday, with at least 6 hours of overlap with Melbourne business hours.
• Company laptop and required work tools provided.
• Stable internet connection and suitable home working environment required.