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Principal Estimator
Delivery; QBuild; Public Works; Cairns
Make a meaningful impact and work with QLD Government’s builder, QBuild! Benefit from working in a commercialised business unit within the public sector and enjoy access to a range of government exclusive benefits, as well as exciting career opportunities across the state. Don't miss this chance to build your career —apply now!
Join QBuild for an exciting career opportunity as a temporary Principal Estimator and lead and support a team that maintain competitive estimates and quotations for customers.
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Construction & Architecture |
| Classification | AO6 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/669744/25 |
| Closing date | 25-Nov-2025 |
| Job duration | until 29/05/2026 |
| Contact person | Lachlan Grant |
| Contact details | Phone: 0488 167 224 Access the National Relay Service |
QBuild is a commercialised business unit of the Queensland Government. It has been Queensland Government's builder for over 160 years, playing an important role in communities across the state by building and maintaining government-owned assets such as schools, social housing, police stations and correctional and health facilities.
About the role
You will play a pivotal role in supporting QBuild's ambition to strengthen Queensland's building and construction industry by leading and supporting a team that maintain competitive estimates and quotations for customers.
Duties and skills involved:
- Planning and coordinate delivery of estimating projects and programs through efficient supervision and development of estimators.
- Providing ongoing effective advice and support to internal and external stakeholders through the provision of timely technical advice on estimates and quotations.
- Overseeing and reporting on relevant estimating projects and/or programs providing information on volume, requests, clients, locations, acceptance rates, costs, schedule of rates, margins and productivity.
- Managing the delivery of estimates, particularly those projects or programs deemed high risk, significant or complex in nature.
- Enhance partner relationships through effective communication, sound negotiation and the provision of timely, professional, and competitive quotations.
- Enhancing the technical skills of estimators through strategic developmental opportunities.
- Monitoring and reviewing project estimating standards by using effective Buildsoft and quote tracing techniques. These techniques monitor and report to managers on the accuracy of scope of works, approval status and achieve compliance with industry best practice and agreed cost and time parameters.
- Undertaking post completion reviews on construction, maintenance and upgrade project and provide constructive feedback to management on industry products, standards, pricing, and improvement strategies.
- Manage resources and provide advice and coordinate expertise in relation to implementing departmental policies, practices, and legislation to ensure compliance at all levels of construction maintenance and upgrade projects.
Additional requirements:
- Demonstrated experience in compiling and project managing complex estimating projects in a building construction and maintenance environment; and
- Thorough working knowledge of building construction and maintenance legislative and regulatory requirements, principles and practices and contract procedures.
How do I apply?
All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia.
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the below attached applicant guide and role description. Once reviewed please submit the following documents to apply:
- Resume
- Cover letter (2 pages maximum) telling us why you are interested in and capable of performing the role.
If you have any questions about the position or your application please contact Lachlan Grant, Client & Program Manager 0488 167 224, Lachlan.Grant@hpw.qld.gov.au
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/669744/25
Closing Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
