Position: Cladding/Construction Estimator & Administration Coordinator
Salary: up to 2100 NZD per month
Working Hours & Conditions: 25 to 30 hours per week - NZ core business hours
ROLE OVERVIEW:
We are looking for an experienced Construction Estimator & Administration Coordinator to prepare accurate estimates and quotations for cladding and related construction projects. The role requires someone who can confidently review plans, photographs, scopes of work, and other project documentation, including incomplete information, to calculate quantities, labour, materials, and subcontractor pricing. Estimating is the primary focus. During lighter estimating periods, the candidate will support payroll preparation and general business administration. There is clear scope for the role to grow into broader project coordination responsibilities as the business expands.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Liaise internally with the Business Owner; and externally with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers as required.
Estimating & Quoting
- Prepare accurate estimates and quotations for cladding and construction projects from plans, drawings, photographs, scopes of work, and other project documentation — including where information is incomplete.
- Complete quantity take-offs; calculate labour, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs with appropriate wastage allowances.
- Identify gaps or inconsistencies early, raise clarifying questions, and produce clear breakdowns of assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions.
- Source and compare supplier and subcontractor pricing; maintain organised records of quotations and pricing assumptions.
- Communicate professionally with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, and project stakeholders to clarify scopes, material requirements, and pricing details.
- Manage multiple quotations simultaneously, monitor deadlines, and provide regular progress updates to the business owner.
Payroll, Administration & Operations
- Assist with payroll preparation — collect and verify timesheets, enter approved hours, and maintain accurate payroll records.
- Provide general administrative support — organise files, update registers and trackers, assist with correspondence, and help develop templates and checklists.
CAD Support & Future Scope (Advantageous)
- Where applicable: assist with basic CAD mark-ups, drawing updates, and maintaining organised drawing files to support quoting.
- As the role develops: assist with project schedules, procurement tracking, variation management, and construction administration.
Requirements
TOOLS & SYSTEMS:
- Microsoft Excel — advanced capability required
- CostX or comparable construction estimating software
- Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
- PDF measurement and document management tools
- CAD or AutoCAD — advantageous but not essential
SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 3 years of construction estimating experience, ideally within New Zealand or Australia
- Ability to prepare estimates from varied and incomplete project documentation
- Experience with quantity take-offs, construction cost calculations, and subcontractor pricing
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; proficiency in CostX or comparable estimating software
- Strong written and spoken English with confident communication across stakeholders
- High numerical accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing deadlines independently
- Willingness to support payroll and administration when required
- Qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent practical experience considered
PREFERRED SKILLS (NICE TO HAVE):
- Experience estimating commercial cladding, façade, or roofing projects
- Knowledge of cladding systems, materials, and installation processes
- Familiarity with New Zealand or Australian construction suppliers and pricing
- CAD or AutoCAD capability
- Payroll or construction administration background
- Basic project coordination experience