Job Description
BuiltStrong Recruitment Pty Ltd – Richmond VIC
Lead Estimator | Commercial Construction Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne n
Lead tender strategy, build subcontractor relationships and influence early-stage project planning with an established Victorian builder.
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BuiltSTRONG Recruitment is partnering with an award-winning commercial construction business to recruit an experienced Lead Estimator.
About my client n
My client is a family-owned Victorian builder with more than 20 years of experience across education, health, community infrastructure, aged care, corrections and general commercial construction.
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Delivering projects ranging from specialist works through to developments exceeding $60 million, they combine the capability of an established commercial builder with an accessible management team and a close-knit culture.
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The business has a secure workforce, including employees who have been with them for ***** years. They value teamwork, practical problem-solving and people who contribute without bringing an ego.
The opportunity n
This is a senior, hands-on role managing two or three tenders concurrently, working closely with the Estimating & Preconstruction Director and the wider design and delivery teams.
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With dedicated quantity-surveying support for measurement, take-offs and BOQ preparation, your focus will be on subcontractor engagement, scope analysis, rate checking and shaping the final commercial submission.
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You will also contribute to Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and cost planning, providing advice while designs are developing.
Key responsibilities n
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Lead tender planning,



pricing strategy and submission deadlines.
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Engage subcontractors and suppliers, issue trade packages and secure competitive pricing.
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Assess quotations, exclusions and qualifications, identifying scope gaps and coverage risks.
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Review rates, preliminaries, allowances and project-specific commercial risks.
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Coordinate and review measurement and BOQ work prepared by the supporting QS.
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Provide cost-planning advice, buildability input and value management options on ECI projects.
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Prepare complete tender submissions and support handover to the delivery team.
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About you n
You will be an experienced commercial construction Estimator with strong technical knowledge, sound commercial judgement and the confidence to lead multiple tenders.
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We are looking for:
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Estimating experience with a commercial head contractor.
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Strong subcontractor relationships and confidence engaging the market.
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A thorough understanding of trade scopes, construction methodology and sequencing.
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The ability to challenge pricing, identify risk and make balanced commercial decisions.
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Experience contributing to ECI and cost planning.
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Clear communication skills and a grounded, collaborative approach.
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Why join? n
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Take ownership of tenders with direct access to senior leadership.
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Focus on the commercial and strategic aspects of estimating, supported by dedicated QS resources.
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Work across a diverse commercial project portfolio.
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Join a family-owned business with long-serving employees, team social events and community involvement.
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📌 Lead Estimator (Melbourne)
🏢 BuiltStrong Recruitment
📍 Melbourne