Company Description:
At Summerset, from the moment we start developing a village to when our residents call it home, it’s the passion and dedication of our people that brings our villages to life. We are one team, united by being part of something bigger – to bring the best of life to our residents. 
About the Role
As our Cost Planner – Construction, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the success of our development pipeline. We self-perform all our projects, you will be actively involved as part of a Construction business unit and provide expert cost planning, estimation, and construction advice across all stages of our construction projects—from feasibility through to detailed design and procurement.
Working closely with our Head Quantity Surveyor and Quantity Surveying team, you’ll help drive best value outcomes, ensure accurate and efficient cost management, and support the seamless interface between Development and Construction.
This role can be based in our offices in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch.
Your Day-to-Day Will Include:
- Developing and managing budgets and cost plans throughout design stages including reporting back to the Leadership team and reviewing it against the feasibility
- Report on any changes and variances between the design changes.
- Breaking down elemental cost plans into trade packages and supporting the QS team to
- ensure best market value is obtained
- with procurement Scope of Works clarity and
- quantification and visible presentation thereof during Sub-Contractor negotiations and queries.
- Providing timely and accurate cost estimates for design change requests (variances), whether applicable to single projects or across portfolios.
- Working closely with Finance, Development, Design, Procurement, and Construction teams to maintain alignment across all project phases.
- Attending design meetings and monitoring design changes to ensure impacts are identified early.
- Identifying and recommending tangible value engineering opportunities while maintaining design integrity.
- Ensuring all cost plans reflect current market conditions and supporting commercial analysis. This includes reviewing tenders received (nationally across all Villages) and updating the Rate Libraries accordingly.
- Benchmarking of construction cost, at high level (per Village and typology), but also detailed trade benchmarking when reviewing new typology cost development.
- Support team with commercial inputs into approval documentation at specific gateways for presentation to Leadership and ultimately Board Approval.
About You
You’ll be an experienced construction cost professional with a strong background in quantity surveying and cost planning across residential and/or commercial projects. You’ll bring excellent commercial judgement, attention to detail, and the confidence to influence decision making at all stages of the project lifecycle. You will be an analytical thinker that appreciates a challenge, often involving a need for some ‘technical curiosity’ in developing processes or investigating and understanding new initiatives.
You’ll Also Bring:
- A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., BSc Quantity Surveying).
- Extensive professional QS experience (5–10+ years).
- Experience in Commercial Construction, ideally working with a Contractor
- Strong technical knowledge of construction methodologies and compliance.
- Experience using CostX and strong Microsoft Office capability, specifically Excel proficiency.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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A collaborative, proactive, and solutions focused approach.
Why Summerset
At Summerset, we believe diversity strengthens our team and enriches the experience we deliver to residents. We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and industries. Even if you don’t tick every box, we encourage you to apply—we value transferable skills and the unique perspective you bring.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Summerset is known for excellent benefits and a strong culture built around care, teamwork, and a drive for excellence. Some of the great benefits you’ll enjoy include:
- Flexible working arrangements
- Free Southern Cross health insurance
- Ongoing professional development and tailored career progression
- Birthday leave
Next Steps
Applications for this role will close on the 27th of March. Please note, this role may close early due to high application volume—apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!