About the company
Utopia is an ultra-luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand creating a global ecosystem of properties and experiences.
We develop private villa retreats in beautiful locations around the world, each with high-end service. Utopia also offers a wider ecosystem of leisure experiences and services available both to those staying on property and to external visitors.
Utopia designs and builds its properties in-house. Our team works across the full journey: from concept and architecture to construction, interiors, landscape, guest experience, and long-term operation. For architects and designers, this means working on properties from the ground up, with the ability to influence how each place is planned, built, and experienced. For hospitality professionals, it means joining a brand where service is personal, attentive, and built around each guest’s stay.
We’re a young, ambitious team with high standards and a hands-on approach. We value strong ideas, practical thinking, attention to detail, and people who are ready to take responsibility for their part of the work. If you’re interested in architecture, design, hospitality, or guest experience, we invite you to grow with Utopia.
Role Description
We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Construction Estimator to join our project team within the real estate development and construction business, focusing on boutique hospitality assets.
In this role, you will be responsible for preparing cost estimates, managing budgets, analyzing project costs, and supporting procurement and contract administration throughout the project lifecycle. You should be able to work independently on day-to-day tasks, coordinate with the project team when needed, and deliver accurate reports and updates regularly. You will report to the Project Manager but collaborate closely with the entire design and construction team, including architects, interior designers, structural and MEP engineers, the FF&E procurement team, and client representatives.
This role will focus primarily on detailed cost estimations. Engagement in detailed estimation (AACE Class 3 and 2) will be around 80%, with involvement in early stages (AACE Class 5 and 4) up to 20%.
We expect you to be fluent in English and proficient in software such as Google Sheets, AutoCAD and Revit. Knowledge of procurement processes, tender documentation, and contract administration is also required.
To succeed in this role, you should have excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills, be punctual, detail-oriented, and motivated to deliver accurate and timely results.
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This is a full-time day role, with expected involvement of up to 40 hours per week.
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This is a fully remote position
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Utopia does not provide visa sponsorship or relocation packages for this position.
Responsabilities-
Conduct analysis to estimate materials, machinery, equipment and labour costs for construction projects.
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Develop bills of quantities for construction activities.
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Prepare cost estimates and budgets for construction projects.
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Prepare detailed construction schedules for construction projects.
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Review and challenge proposals from contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
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Prepare and submit progress reports and variations to stakeholders.
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Quote materials, machinery, equipment, labour and services.
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Resolve any disputes related to costs or contracts.
Who you will work with
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Reporting to:
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Project manager in charge of overall project performance: Close relation to ensure budget and schedule compliance.
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Working closely with:
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Internally:
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Project design coordinator in charge of the development of architectural and interior design.
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Finance team in charge of approving expenses and giving advice on financial matters.
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Legal team in charge of overseeing all legal affairs of the company.
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Construction team according to the construction strategy to be defined for each project.
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Externally:
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Local architect of record company in charge of developing detailed architectural and engineering design, planning plans, construction documentation and site supervision.
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Local legal consultants when needed to advise on legal matters.
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Contractors/subcontractors/suppliers according to the construction strategy for each project.
Key Role Outcomes
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Accurate and clear bill of quantities and supporting documentation according to design and development phases.
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Accurate cost and time estimates according to design and development phases.
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Timely quoting of materials and subcontracts.
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Clear communication and resolution of cost-related issues.
CV Requirements-
Education
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Bachelor's degree in estimation, quantity surveying, civil engineering, architecture or other related field.
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Work Experience
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Proven experience as an estimator in construction projects (+6 years).
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Proven experience as an estimator in high-end hospitality/residential projects (+3 years).
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Proven experience estimating budgets for construction projects over $20M USD.
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Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, Revit, AutoCAD).
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Proven built network of industry connections and relationships with contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
Nice to have-
Professional certification (e.g., MRICS, PQS).
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Fluent communication in Portuguese and/or Spanish.
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Work experience in construction site roles.
By submitting this application, I agree that my personal data will be collected, processed, and retained by the company solely for the purposes of managing and assessing my candidacy.
Notice: This is a remote position based in South Africa.
