Core Talent is partnering with a premium high-end residential builder to appoint a Senior Estimator / Pre-Construction lead for luxury custom new builds and major renovations. This is far more than a traditional estimating role it’s a true end-to-end pre-construction position with real influence from early concept through to site commencement.
If you enjoy being close to design, advising clients, and setting projects up to succeed before they hit site, this one’s worth a look.
Why this role
- Genuine pre-construction ownership across the full design + tender journey
- Work closely with architects, interiors, designers, trades, construction team and directors
- High-quality custom architectural homes (not volume)
- Salary guide around $165k + super (depending on experience)
What you’ll be doing
- Prepare detailed BOQ’s, estimates and proposals for luxury new builds + major renovations (internal and external architectural tenders)
- Provide real-time staged cost input throughout design development
- Lead value engineering conversations (protecting both design intent and budget)
- Provide constructability, methodology and sequencing advice
- Assess feasibility and deliver practical solutions that protect design intent and budget
- Finalise scope of works, contract documentation, procurement and all pre-construction deliverables
- Manage the transition from pre-construction to construction — becoming the key client contact as site approaches
- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive, reliable pricing
- Contribute to continuous improvement across systems, processes and documentation standards
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience estimating / pre-construction in high-end residential construction
- Strong ability interpreting architectural drawings, specs and detailing
- Emotionally intelligent communicator — comfortable presenting to clients, collaborating with designers, and engaging trades
- Strong understanding of construction methodology, building materials and trade sequencing
- Commercially minded — you think beyond the spreadsheet and bring solutions, not just numbers
- Highly organised and detail-driven — able to manage multiple projects in pre-construction
- Tech-savvy with estimating software + standard industry tools
- Calm, confident decision-maker who takes ownership end-to-end
Highly desirable: previous on-site experience (carpentry / building).
Interested? Send through your CV or Call Jarrod Sellers on 0412 729 942 and I’ll share more details confidentially.
Consultant
Reference number: BH-26611
Profession:ConstructionEstimator
Company: Core Talent
Date posted: 2nd Jun, 2026
