Fabrication Estimator/Project Coordinator - Located in Cairns

Cairns Region

Located in beautiful Far North Queensland, Cairns offers an exceptional lifestyle with tropical beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed rainforests on its doorstep. With excellent schools, shopping, dining, sporting facilities and a welcoming community, Cairns provides the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding career alongside a relaxed tropical lifestyle. Short commute times and year-round outdoor activities make it an attractive place to live and work.

About the Organisation

Our client is a well-established, Australian-owned manufacturing business with a strong presence across North Queensland and a long-standing reputation for quality workmanship, reliable service and strong customer relationships. With extensive industry experience, the organisation specialises in steel fabrication, manufacturing and the supply of products and solutions to the construction, infrastructure, industrial and commercial sectors. The business takes a practical, customer-focused approach, with a strong commitment to delivering quality products, supporting its people and building long-term customer partnerships.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager, the Fabrication Estimaot/Project Coordinator is a varied, hands-on position combining estimating, customer service, sales, business development and project coordination within an established manufacturing business.

You will prepare estimates and quotations for fabrication and manufacturing jobs, generally valued up to $100,000, while managing customer enquiries, identifying new business opportunities and coordinating confirmed orders through to delivery.

This opportunity will suit a practical allrounder who is happy to work in a small close knit team assisting wherever required and who understands how things are made, enjoys dealing with customers and can confidently manage several jobs at different stages. It may particularly appeal to someone with a fabrication, boilermaking or similar trade background who is looking to transition off the tools into a more commercially focused role.

Job Offering

• Base salary - $100,000 – $110,000 (can negotiate based on experience)
• 12% employer superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Relocation assistance available
• Monday to Friday - 6:30am – 3:00pm - some flexibility is available
• No overtime
• Monthly team BBQs and a friendly, supportive workplace
• Varied position combining estimating, sales and project coordination
• Opportunity to develop customer relationships and contribute to business growth
• Established manufacturing business with a strong presence in North Queensland
• Excellent opportunity for an experienced tradesperson looking to move off the tools

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate estimates and quotations for steel fabrication, manufacturing and associated works, generally valued up to $100,000
• Review fabrication drawings, specifications and customer requirements to determine materials, labour, subcontracting and other project costs
• Coordinate tender enquiries, supplier quotations and pricing submissions while maintaining appropriate commercial margins
• Manage customer enquiries, prepare quotations and follow up opportunities to secure new and repeat business
• Build and maintain relationships with existing customers while identifying opportunities for sales and business development
• Identify prospective customers, projects and tender opportunities within relevant industries and markets
• Coordinate confirmed orders from quotation acceptance through to workshop handover, production progress and delivery
• Liaise closely with workshop personnel, purchasing, administration and logistics teams to ensure jobs progress efficiently
• Monitor project timelines, materials, purchasing requirements and delivery schedules, communicating progress and potential delays to customers
• Coordinate scope changes and variations, ensuring revised pricing and customer approvals are documented
• Maintain accurate customer, quotation, order and project records using internal systems
• Review estimated versus actual job costs and identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy and commercial performance
• Support stock control, purchasing and material availability to assist with efficient job delivery
• Promote safe work practices, quality workmanship and positive customer outcomes

Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience in estimating, steel fabrication, manufacturing, technical sales or project coordination
• Practical understanding of fabrication processes, materials, labour requirements and manufacturing costs
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and customer requirements to prepare accurate estimates
• Experience estimating steel fabrication projects or similar manufacturing work will be highly regarded
• Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of pricing, margins and cost control
• Confidence dealing directly with customers, preparing quotations and following up sales opportunities
• Ability to identify new business opportunities and develop positive, long-term customer relationships
• Well-developed organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple quotations, orders and project deadlines
• Strong communication skills and a practical, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving
• Competence in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with estimating, CRM or job management systems
• Experience using Steelhead or similar manufacturing software would be advantageous
• A fabrication, boilermaking or related trade background would be highly regarded, particularly for candidates seeking a transition from hands-on trade work into an office-based position
• No formal qualification is required, with relevant industry experience, practical knowledge and the right attitude being the key considerations

How To Apply

If you are an experienced estimator, manufacturing professional or tradesperson looking to take the next step in your career please send through your application via the Apply button or feel free to contact Brock O'Brien at Precruitment on 0468 566 523

Applications will be assessed as they are received.

About Us

With Head Office in Cairns and offices in Townsville and Brisbane. We specialise in professional, administration, engineering and industrial recruitment, permanent and temporary placements for both commercial and government enterprise. We are proud to connect great people with meaningful careers.