Job Description
Backbone Management Pvt Ltd
nPosition Description – Design Stage Cost Estimator / Quantity Surveyor
nABOUT OUR CLIENT
nOur client is a progressive, iCIRT-rated property development company in Sydney. For over 40 years, they have designed, developed and built quality homes, offices, retail spaces, and more for diverse communities. Nearly four decades, on they have grown into a multi-disciplinary organisation with development, design, and construction teams, enabling them to 'build for the way living should be'. Their business is growing rapidly, the industry is thriving, and their developments are stronger and more innovative than ever before.
nABOUT THE ROLE
nProvide accurate, timely cost planning, estimating, and measurement services for mixed-use developments, including commercial, retail and residential dwelling projects across the full development lifecycle - from feasibility and design development through to procurement, construction, and project close-out. The role supports feasibility, design decisions, value engineering, and budget control by translating architectural and consultant drawings into reliable cost advice. Cost planning through the development life cycle including Development Application (DA) phase, Construction Certificate (CC) phase and Design Development phase.
nCOMPETENCIES
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- Attention to detail and accuracy n
- Commercial judgement and cost awareness n
- Communication and reporting n
- Self-management and autonomy n
- Technical quantity surveying / estimating capability n
- Buildability and value engineering mindset n
- Excellent command of the English language n
KEY ACTIVITIES
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- Prepare order-of-cost estimates, feasibility budgets, and development cost plans from concept, schematic, benchmarks and design development documentation. n
- Review architectural, structural, civil, services, and other consultant documentation to assess scope, risk, buildability, omissions, and cost implications. n
- Produce elemental cost plans, quantity take-offs, bills of quantities, schedules, and trade package breakdowns for mixed-use commercial, retail and residential dwelling projects. n
- Track cost movement across design stages and provide clear reconciliations, estimate notes, assumptions, exclusions, allowances and risk commentary. n
- Work closely with Urban's development, design, and construction teams to test options, support value engineering, and improve commercial outcomes without compromising project intent. n
- Benchmark project costs against internal historical data, current market rates, and recent delivery outcomes to improve estimating accuracy over time. n
- Support procurement and pre-construction activities, including scope reviews, trade package planning, tender comparisons, and budget updates where required. n
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Backbone Management Pvt Ltd
nPosition Description – Design Stage Cost Estimator / Quantity Surveyor
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- Contribute to construction phase cost forecasting and cost-to-complete reviews where required, particularly where design changes or scope changes affect delivery budgets. n
- Maintain estimating templates, cost databases, benchmark rates, and lessons-learned information to strengthen future feasibility and budgeting work. n
- Prepare clear written reports and cost advice for internal stakeholders in a format suitable for decision-making at development and project level. n
KEY CHALLENGES
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- Producing reliable cost advice from incomplete or evolving design information. n
- Balancing development feasibility, design intent, and construction practicality. n
- Managing cost planning across mixed-use project typologies with multiple stakeholders. n
- Supporting concurrent projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. n
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
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- Tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building Engineering or a related discipline. n
- Demonstrated experience in construction estimating or quantity surveying, ideally in mixed-use, commercial, retail, and residential apartment developments. n
- Strong ability to interpret design and consultant documentation at concept and design development stage. n
- Experience preparing cost plans, take-offs, and budgets with limited information and making sound commercial assumptions. n
- Strong Excel capability and experience using estimating, take-off, or quantity surveying software. n
- Experience working with developer, builder, or developer-builder organisations will be highly regarded. n
- Experience working remotely with offshore or distributed teams is an advantage. n
REPORTING
nReports to: General Manager
nSecondary Reports to: Development Managers, Design Director, Construction Director, Director of Commercial & Procurement
nIf this opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV to [email protected].
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Backbone Management - Design Stage Cost Estimator/Quantity Surveyor
