Estimator Role at McNab - Grow in Construction in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This Estimator role at McNab offers a solid career foundation within one of Australia's largest and most vertically integrated construction groups, with over $1bn in annual turnover. The diversity of project types — multi-residential, retail, and industrial — means you'll build broad, market-relevant estimating skills rather than being siloed into a single sector.
Skills developed in this role are in high demand:
- CostX proficiency (an industry-standard estimating platform in Australia)
- ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) and hard-dollar tendering — both critical in commercial construction
- Bill of quantities preparation and subcontractor management
- Commercial risk identification — a stepping stone toward senior estimator or commercial manager roles
McNab's vertically integrated model (property development, manufacturing, construction) offers genuine internal mobility beyond traditional construction paths — a notable green flag for long-term career growth.
Compensation note: No salary is disclosed, but market rates for experienced estimators in Brisbane typically range from AUD 95,000 to AUD 130,000 depending on experience. Candidates should benchmark accordingly during negotiation.
Culture signals: The emphasis on "small company DNA" within a large business suggests a relatively flat, collaborative environment. Benefits like birthday leave and a wellbeing program reflect genuine investment in staff. The absence of remote/hybrid work signals a traditional on-site culture — suitable for those who prefer in-person team collaboration but a potential concern for those seeking flexibility.
About McNab
McNab is one of the largest Construction, Development and Property groups in Australia, with turnover now exceeding $1bn each year. Despite our growth and size, we've never lost our small company DNA - which centres around genuine care for our staff, customers and all our stakeholders. Success for us isn't about awards or growth, it's when we deliver so well that our customers are proud to wear a McNab T-Shirt on weekends!
About the Role
Due to growth our Brisbane team is seeking an Estimator who will support the preparation of cost plans, tenders and pricing for repeat work, ECI opportunities and hard dollar tenders. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on estimating work, working with project teams and helping deliver accurate, competitive submissions.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare cost plans, tenders and pricing submissions
- Support repeat work, ECI and hard dollar tender opportunities
- Work with project teams and stakeholders to gather information and prepare submissions
- Review drawings, specifications and project requirements
- Identify risks, gaps and commercial opportunities during the estimating process
- Prepare subcontractor packages and bill of quantities
- Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain pricing
- Maintain up-to-date market rates and pricing information
- Contribute to the preparation of bids across multi-residential, retail and industrial projects
- Use estimating software such as CostX to support accurate pricing and measurement
About You
- Proven estimating experience in multi-residential, retail and/or industrial projects
- Commercially aware with strong attention to detail
- Confident preparing cost plans, tenders and pricing
- Strong communicator with good stakeholder management skills
- Able to work across a range of markets and trades
- Quantity Surveying or related background highly desirable
- Proficient in CostX or similar estimating software
We genuinely care. We make it easy. We deliver certainty.
This is our promise - to our clients, and everyone we deal with. Delivering on these three things really, really well is what drives us at McNab. Everything we do, from recruiting and training to performance and promotion, centres around this promise.
We leverage the entire McNab Group to deliver certainty for our clients at a time of unprecedented uncertainty in the industry. And our approach works. From delivering our own property developments, to manufacturing our own building products, and a plethora of aligned businesses, your career at McNab goes well beyond traditional construction roles.
McNab Benefits
- Annual health and fitness subsidy
- Parental leave program
- Birthday leave
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program and McNab Wellbeing Program
- Internal development opportunities through tailored training programs
This is an outstanding opportunity to build a strong career with a reputable construction company that genuinely cares about the development of all staff - if this is something you want to be a part of, APPLY NOW!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Estimator role at McNab office-based or can it be done remotely?
What types of projects will I work on as an Estimator at McNab?
What estimating software experience is required for this role?
Is a Quantity Surveying qualification required to apply?
What benefits does McNab offer for this role?
