M3 Group | Melbourne, VIC | Full Time
Not every cost estimator gets to own the commercials on work worth being proud of. We do.
At M3 Group, every development we build is architecturally designed, intentionally detailed, and built to stand the test of time. We are a boutique and proudly family-owned developer with over 30 years in the Melbourne market — and we have never been interested in volume. We are interested in quality. We are looking for people who feel the same way.
About M3
M3 Group is an integrated property development, architecture, and construction business. We design, develop, and build medium-density residential projects across Melbourne's established suburbs — townhouses that are architecturally considered, beautifully detailed, and built to endure.
We are not a volume builder. We do not measure success in the number of projects we turn over. We measure it in the quality of what we leave behind. Our homes are bought by people who care — and built by people who care just as much.
We're seeking a Cost Estimator to own the commercial engine of the business as our portfolio grows — the cost plans, the tenders, and the trade and supplier panel. If this is the seat you've been waiting for, we want to know you.
The Role
As our Cost Estimator, you own everything about cost, procurement, and the trade and supplier base — from pre-construction cost planning through to final reconciliation. You work at portfolio level across every active M3 project and report directly to the Construction Director. This is an office-based commercial role, run from our Fitzroy North studio, with site visits as required.




What this role requires
own the project cost plan for every M3 project
manage the tendering and procurement process; scopes, tender packages, pricing comparisons, negotiation
own the variation process end to end, and track actual cost against budget every week across every active site; reporting to executive standard, with variance analysis, not just numbers
build and govern the trade and supplier panel
Who we are looking for
3-5 years in residential construction cost management (quantity surveying, estimating or commercial management), with experience managing subcontractor procurement
Preferably have townhouse track experience with boutique or privately-held developers
someone who makes commercial calls on data and not assume "we've always used them"; constantly seeking market relevant rates
solid Excel cost-modelling, and confident reading architectural, structural and services drawings to extract cost
comfortable in BuilderTrend or a similar construction and estimation platforms
Why M3
You will own the commercials on a number of projects the whole business is genuinely invested in — architecturally ambitious, quality-first developments where every dollar is spent with intent. You will have real authority: you set the cost plan, manage the supplier panel, and drive negotiated outcomes. This role reports to the Construction Director. If that is how you already work, this is the right place for you.
Salary:
Competitive, commensurate with experience.
Location:
M3 studio, Fitzroy North (Melbourne), with site visits across metropolitan Melbourne as required.
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📌 Contract Administrator (Junior) (Melbourne)
🏢 M3 Group
📍 Melbourne