Estimating Manager

Ready to lead a high-performing estimating team within one of Australia's fastest growing residential developers? We're looking for an experienced Estimating Manager to drive estimating excellence, develop a team of estimators, and shape the future cost planning strategy across our nationwide projects.

About us

GemLife is one of Australia’s fastest-growing developers of luxury over-50s residential resorts. We're known for our architecturally designed resorts, premium facilities, and exceptional lifestyle experiences. As an ASX listed company, we foster a positive and inclusive culture built on passion, integrity, and respect. For more about what we do, please head to www.gemlife.com.au

Based in Helensvale, this role will oversee all estimating functions including cost library management, price escalation forecasting, supplier pricing validation, and tender support. Leading a team of estimators, you'll be a coaching-focused leader who sets standards, builds capability, and drives consistency across estimating outputs. This role also provides senior oversight of escalated supplier invoicing queries, supports procurement strategy, and ensures cost data used across the business is robust, auditable, and reflective of current market conditions. 

Key responsibilities of this role:

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of estimators across Australia and the Philippines ensuring high performance and consistent estimating standards.
• Conduct regular team reviews, training and development sessions.
• Oversee preparation of accurate residential construction estimates for new projects and releases.
• Maintain consistency between estimated costs, purchase orders and final project costs.
• Troubleshoot queries relating to Databuild across the business and train estimators in best practice use of the system.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating workflows and automation within Databuild.
• Implement structured pricing reviews across all key trades and materials.
• Analyse market data, supplier pricing trends and historical company data to forecast construction cost escalation and support strategic planning.
• Support procurement with pricing analysis and benchmarking across suppliers.
• Act as the escalation point for supplier invoicing discrepancies.
• Contribute to development of procurement strategies and cost reduction initiatives.
• Report to the Residential Operations Manager, delivering regular updates, cost projections, forecasting, and strategic insights to support business planning and operational decision-making.

 What are we looking for?

• Proven experience understanding construction methods, materials and regulations.
• Advanced Databuild experience including troubleshooting and system optimisation
• The ability to interpret architectural drawings, engineering documentation and construction plans.
• Familiarity with relevant Australian Building and National Construction Codes.
• Proficiency in construction estimating and administration software e.g., Bluebeam, Onsite Companion, Microsoft Excel, Procore, Cubit.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality estimates and BOQs.
• Previous experience leading an estimating function or managing a team within a residential construction environment.
• Demonstrated experience in performance management, succession planning and team development.
• Experience as a Residential Construction Estimator in a high-volume business.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence outcomes across construction, procurement and operational teams. 

What it's like to work at GemLife:

• Being a crucial part of a team that values your feedback, contributions, and supports your growth and development
• Permanent full-time role with flexible start/finish times
• A company experiencing massive growth and career opportunities for the team
• Flare Retail discounts, subsidised Fitness Passport membership and corporate uniform allowance
• Working at a certified Great Place to Work® 

Ready to lead GemLife's Residential Estimating team and help shape the future of our estimating function? Apply now with your cover letter and CV.

Applicants must have full Australian working rights. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this role.