Estimator - Residential Construction
Estimator role building first-principles costs that actually stack up. Shape projects before build, call risk early, and influence real outcomes.
At Endeavour Build, we’re redefining what accuracy, transparency, and trust look like in Australian residential construction. Our projects succeed because the numbers behind them are real, defensible, and built from first principles—not optimism.
Endeavour Build is growing, and we’re looking for an Estimator who sees cost planning as a source of truth, not a sales lever. This role sits at the heart of pre-construction, shaping commercial outcomes before a shovel ever hits the ground.
If you’re commercially sharp, comfortable calling out risk, and take pride in producing estimates that stand up through construction and beyond—this role is for you
The Role
Reporting to the New Business Manager, this role is focused on pre-construction estimating excellence.
Your job is to price projects accurately and commercially—not just competitively. Market competitiveness is set by business margin objectives. Your responsibility is to ensure the raw cost data is real, defensible, and transparent.
This role suits a sharp problem-solver who enjoys digging into scope, challenging assumptions, and continuously improving how things are done.
What We Mean by “First Principles”
Build estimates from the ground up—scope, methodology, sequencing, risk,
Understand why a cost exists, not just what it is
Identify gaps, assumptions, and risks early—then call them out and communicate them.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare detailed pre-construction estimates across residential project types (a strong understanding of volume based builds would be beneficial)
Price work across NSW and QLD markets, with regional awareness
Continue to develop, revise and maintain a robust cost catalogue grounded in real supplier data
Engage subcontractors and suppliers with a long-term, scale-based mindset
Support supplier agreement strategies and relationship-led pricing where volume applies
Participate in construction feedback loops, back-costing, and post-project reviews
Use construction and post-construction data to continuously refine unit rates, risk allowances, and assumptions
Contribute to the ongoing improvement of Endeavour Build’s estimating systems and processes (they exist—but they’re meant to evolve)
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience estimating residential construction projects
Strong capability in first-principles cost build-ups
Commercial judgement and the confidence to challenge scope and assumptions
High personal integrity—comfortable delivering uncomfortable truths when required
Experience in volume or repeat-product estimating is highly regarded
Strong communicator who values clarity, accountability, and follow-through
Comfortable in a fast-paced environment where standards are high and excuses don’t land
Our Values (Non-Negotiable)
Unimpeachable Candor
We value honesty, transparency, and integrity over optimism and convenience. If a number doesn’t stack up, we want to know—early.
What Success Looks Like
· Variance between estimate line item costs and Construction Procurement item costs < 3%
· Estimate and Pre-con handover packages delivered 100% complete before handover date
· Completion of 80 plus estimates per annum
· Completion of back costing review of 30% of projects and presentation of key learnings (and 100% adoption of improvements)
· High client satisfaction through clear communication and outcomes
· Projects entering construction smoothly, on time, and without rework
Why Endeavour Build
Estimating is respected here—it influences decisions, not just paperwork
Developed systems with genuine appetite for improvement
Sharp, driven team with momentum and ambition
Exposure to multi-state pricing and scalable residential product
Clear expectations, autonomy, and room to grow as the business grows
- Department
- Endeavour Build
- Locations
- Newcastle, Fortitude Valley
About Henderson Advocacy
We’re Henderson Advocacy, Australia’s leading residential and commercial buyers agency, purchasing over $1 billion worth of properties and securing 83% of them off-market for our clients. We're the rocket ship propelling wealth-building strategies for everyday Australians and ambitious investors.
Our team doesn’t just work hard; we create wow moments for our clients—whether it's at our incredible client events or through personalised investment strategies that change the game.