Step into a key role with a market leader. Lead a high-performing team, drive accuracy, and put your mark on our growing business.
G.J. Gardner Homes Ballarat is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and highly detail-oriented Estimating Manager to lead our Estimating team. We are a successful local business backed by the proven systems and market power of Australia’s most trusted national building brand.
We operate with a strong family culture firmly established in our office, and we are dedicated to maintaining competitive pricing, protecting project margins, and delivering an amazing customer experience across the Ballarat region.
This is a senior position designed for an established professional looking for a long-term career move. This unique opportunity allows you to learn from the best; you will initially work directly alongside our exceptional business owner and master estimator learning the G.J estimating software, who is setting you up for complete success as they transition into retirement. Whether you are a Senior Estimator ready to step up into management, or an existing Estimating Manager seeking a rewarding change within a supportive local franchise, this role offers the ultimate passing-of-the-torch mentorship.
As our Estimating Manager, you will be the backbone of our pre-construction accuracy and financial success. You will manage and mentor our estimating team, oversee comprehensive cost estimations and quantity take-offs, manage production purchase orders, and maintain our local price books. You will be a hands-on leader who drives ongoing process improvements, ensuring all residential building projects are completed within budget while maximising company profitability and meeting customer expectations.
Collaborative Leadership Role: Take ownership of the department with direct support from the owners in a team-oriented, family environment where your expertise is genuinely respected.
Grow & Influence the Journey: Be a core decision-maker in a growing business where you can actively implement best practices and shape our estimating processes.
Great Work-Life Balance: Enjoy standard full-time office hours from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
World-Class Digital Framework: Benefit from G.J. Gardner's industry-leading estimating software, scheduling systems, and national support network that streamline your workflow.
Office-Based: Focus on your strategic output and team leadership in a stable, professional office environment with no requirement for regular site travel.
Team Management & Leadership: Lead, mentor, and support the daily activities of the estimating team, fostering a collaborative and high-achieving department.
Comprehensive Cost Control: Oversee accurate and detailed material and labour estimates from building plans, ensuring strict margin protection and competitive market pricing.
Price Book & Database Integrity: Take responsibility for maintaining an accurate local cost database, managing templates for standard designs, and keeping the local Price Book up to date.
Purchase Orders & Variations: Ensure production purchase orders are generated with a high level of precision, mitigating potential job delays or budget variations early in the pre-construction phase.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate seamlessly with local Ballarat suppliers, subcontractors, and our internal sales, design, and construction teams to ensure smooth handovers.
Proven Industry Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience within residential construction estimating, with a strong preference for candidates currently operating at a Senior Estimator level or above.
Exceptional Team Alignment: A highly motivated professional who can get along with everyone in a team environment. You are an empathetic, collaborative leader who thrives on building strong internal relationships.
Eagle Eye for Detail: A strict "measure twice, cut once" mindset. You take absolute pride in data accuracy and hold a strong sense of accountability for your team's output.
Qualifications & Tech Literacy: Construction or relevant tertiary qualifications are not essential but will be highly regarded. You must be highly proficient with computers, digital spreadsheets, and specialized estimating systems.
Long-Term Career Focus: A dedicated, community-oriented individual with a proactive, "can-do" attitude who wants a long-term role to settle down and establish themselves with our franchise.
Local Commitment: You live within a reasonable, sustainable commuting distance of our Ballarat office.
We offer a stable, supportive environment where your leadership is valued, your experience is rewarded, and your professional growth is a top priority. We are hands-on, focused on continuous improvement, and looking for a team player who natural aligns with our values: Act with Integrity, Practice Empathy, Strive to be Better, and Succeed through Collaboration.
Ready to take the next step in your career with a trusted local leader? Please click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your senior estimating experience and why you are the ideal fit to lead our Ballarat team.
