At a Glance
- Tasks: Own project cost estimates and manage the estimation process for quality developments.
- Company: Boutique, family-owned developer with over 30 years of experience in Melbourne.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, authority over projects, and a focus on quality work.
- Other info: Dynamic office environment with opportunities for site visits across Melbourne.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on architecturally ambitious projects that prioritise quality.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in residential construction cost management and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 $ per year.
Not every cost estimator gets to own the commercials on work worth being proud of. We do. At M3 Group, every development we build is architecturally designed, intentionally detailed, and built to stand the test of time. We are a boutique and proudly family-owned developer with over 30 years in the Melbourne market - and we have never been interested in volume. We are interested in quality. We are looking for people who feel the same way.
About M3: M3 Group is an integrated property development, architecture, and construction business. We design, develop, and build medium-density residential projects across Melbourne's established suburbs - townhouses that are architecturally considered, beautifully detailed, and built to endure. We are not a volume builder. We do not measure success in the number of projects we turn over. We measure it in the quality of what we leave behind. Our homes are bought by people who care - and built by people who care just as much.
We’re seeking a Cost Estimator to own the commercial engine of the business as our portfolio grows - the cost plans, the tenders, and the trade and supplier panel. If this is the seat you’ve been waiting for, we want to know you.
The Role: As our Cost Estimator, you own everything about cost - from feasibility, cost planning through to final reconciliation. You work at portfolio level across every active M3 project and report directly to the Construction Director. This is an office-based commercial role, run from our Fitzroy North studio, with site visits as required.
What this role requires:
- Own the project cost estimate for every M3 project.
- Manage the estimation process; scopes, tender packages, pricing comparisons, negotiation with critical suppliers.
- Own the estimation process and provide a market-relevant estimate for every project we explore at feasibility through to pre-start.
- Maintain the internal database for cost benchmarking.
Who we are looking for:
- 3-5 years in residential construction cost management (quantity surveying, estimating or commercial management), with experience managing subcontractor procurement.
- Preferably have townhouse track experience with boutique or privately-held developers.
- Someone who makes commercial calls on data and not assume we’ve always used them; constantly seeking market relevant rates.
- Strong Excel cost-modelling, and confident reading architectural, structural and services drawings to extract cost.
- Comfortable in BuilderTrend, Plan Swift, CostX or similar construction and estimation platforms.
Why M3: You will own the commercials on a number of projects the whole business is genuinely invested in - architecturally ambitious, quality-first developments where every dollar is spent with intent. You will have real authority: you set the cost plan, manage the supplier panel, and drive negotiated outcomes. This role reports to the Construction Director. If that is how you already work, this is the right place for you.
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience.
Location: M3 studio, Fitzroy North (Melbourne), with site visits across metropolitan Melbourne as required.
Cost Estimator employer: M3 Group
At M3 Group, we pride ourselves on being a boutique developer that values quality over quantity, creating architecturally designed homes that stand the test of time. Our Fitzroy North studio fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your projects and make a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer competitive salaries and the chance to work on ambitious projects that truly matter.
