Estimator

Position Description: Estimator

Company: Sunshine Coast Building Innovations T/A Maaken

Location: North Lakes HQ, with site visits across SEQ and Northern NSW

Reports to: General Manager

Employment type: Full-time, permanent

Remuneration: $75,000-$85,000 + Super + 12 RDO's + Computer

About Maaken Maaken is a leading façade installation business specialising in render, AAC (Gravis/Hebel) and fibre cement systems. We are a Dulux partner and complete over 3,000 homes a year for Tier 1 builders across South East Queensland and Northern NSW.

Position Purpose The Estimator prepares accurate, competitive and timely quotes for render, AAC and fibre cement packages. The role protects Maaken's margins, supports our builder relationships, and makes sure every job is priced correctly before it goes to scheduling and site.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating and quoting

• Review plans, specifications and engineering to prepare detailed take-offs for render, AAC, fibre cement and associated works
• Price materials, labour, scaffold, access and consumables using current supplier and contractor rates
• Prepare and submit quotes within agreed turnaround times
• Clearly document scope gaps, exclusions, inclusions and risks on every quote
• Maintain standard pricing for volume builders and project-specific pricing for one-off and commercial work

Variations and contract support

• Price variations promptly and accurately, including variations identified on site (batten sizing, slab depth, rework, etc.)
• Confirm each variation is builder-approved and recorded before work proceeds
• Support contract reviews and flag unfavourable terms to the General Manager

Builder and supplier relationships

• Act as the main contact for builders on pricing, plan queries and scope clarification
• Liaise with Dulux, Gravis and other suppliers on pricing, product changes and system specifications
• Attend site visits and builder meetings as required

Systems and handover

• Keep quotes, plans and pricing up to date in the CRM and estimating software
• Hand accepted jobs over to scheduling with complete, accurate information
• Track quote conversion rates and report win/loss outcomes

Continuous improvement

• Review completed jobs against their estimates to improve pricing accuracy
• Maintain and update rate libraries, templates and estimating procedures
• Support Maaken's entry into new product categories, including fibre cement

Key Performance Indicators

• Quote turnaround time (e.g. standard homes within [X] business days)
• Estimate accuracy, measured as actual vs estimated cost on completed jobs
• Quote conversion rate
• Variation turnaround time and capture rat
• Gross margin achieved against target
• Builder feedback on responsiveness and accuracy

Skills and Experience

Essential

• 3+ years' estimating experience in residential construction, façade, cladding or render trades
• Strong plan reading and take-off skills
• Working knowledge of render, AAC and/or fibre cement systems
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g. Cubit, Buildxact, Groundplan or similar) and Excel
• High attention to detail and strong numeracy
• Clear written and verbal communication with builders and suppliers

Desirable

• Trade background in rendering, cladding or carpentry
• Experience pricing for volume or Tier 1 builders
• Knowledge of Dulux render and fibre cement systems
• Current driver's licence and White Card

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded and focused on margin
• Organised and able to manage a high quote volume under deadlines
• Proactive in spotting risks and scope gaps
• A team player who works well with scheduling, supervisors and management

Confidentiality The Estimator will have access to Maaken's pricing, rates, margins, and client and supplier information. All of this is confidential and must not be disclosed or used outside Maaken, during or after employment, in line with the employment contract.