Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software
References
Education Training And Licenses
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Mills

Ashmore,Australia

Summary

With a strong foundation built across nine roles within the City of Gold Coast, I offer deep insight into the City's processes, infrastructure delivery, and project standards. In my current role as an Estimator, I've developed strong expertise in estimating, including first-principles estimating for rate building, accurate take-offs, cost analysis, interpreting construction plans, and contract administration. I have a proven ability to deliver accurate, value-driven estimates through effective collaboration, and a deep understanding of City operations and construction methodologies. Recognised for improving efficiency, supporting project success, and contributing long-term value to the City – highlighted by receiving the 'Most Valued Estimator' award for providing efficient and accurate stakeholder estimates – I am excited to grow within my role as an Estimator within the Cost Intelligence team.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Estimator

City of Gold Coast
01.2025 - Current
  • Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers, Contractors, and Planners to determine appropriate construction methodologies across building, civil and specialist trades.
  • Perform detailed take-offs using Cubit, accurately measure drawings to quantify requirements, and calculate detailed labour, plant, and material requirements.
  • Deliver accurate, first-principles cost estimates for construction budgets by interpreting technical design drawings, reports, and specifications, often under strict timeframes.
  • Sourced and evaluated quotes from suppliers and service providers in building, civil, and specialist sectors, adhering to value-for-money principles for City works.
  • Attend site visits before and during construction to assess scope and review applied rates.
  • Manage and prioritise Request for Services, Councillor Requests, Request for Quotations, and Project Management Plans based on risk and statutory timeframes.

Network Operations Officer

City of Gold Coast
07.2024 - 01.2025
  • Oversaw scheduling for all works pertaining to the Gold Coast Light Rail project to minimise disruptions and keep critical project milestones on track.
  • Developed a standardised contingency plan template for Sewer Pump Station failures, which improved emergency response and was adopted by multiple teams.
  • Successfully implemented Jira as a new work management tool (Jira), which, boosted operational efficiencies, reduced downtime, and improved service delivery.
  • Engineered and delivered an effective communication strategy that achieved 100% stakeholder buy-in and adoption of Jira.

Contract Support Officer

City of Gold Coast
12.2021 - 07.2024
  • Executed accurate and timely financial processing (payments, purchase orders, variations) for all Water, Waste, and Energy (WWE) contracts using SAP & Open Windows.
  • Ensured contract compliance and minimised risk by actively monitoring insurances, securities, and retentions through to contract finalisation, conducting compliance checks against procurement policies, and supporting audit readiness.
  • Guaranteed data accuracy and audit readiness for key contracts through meticulous record management (Open Windows, Objective) and reporting.
  • Updated and maintained contract schedule of rates for all Water Waste and Energy contracts as directed by internal stakeholders through the variation process, in accordance with procurement policies and contractual obligations.
  • Managed the quotation process for the Water, Waste, and Energy business unit.
  • Received formal recognition for improving project outcomes by proactively identifying and eliminating stakeholder constraints within the payment process, ensuring clear communication of changes, and providing key support to the Directorate.

Plant Hire Officer

City of Gold Coast
06.2021 - 12.2021
  • Ensured seamless communication flow and timely responses by effectively managing and allocating all incoming customer correspondence (phone, Plant Hire inbox).
  • Minimised equipment downtime and maximised asset availability for the City's Fleet, Plant, and Equipment through proactive planning and scheduling of maintenance and repairs.
  • Consistently met service level expectations by ensuring all internal and external queries were investigated and resolved within established timeframes.
  • Supported efficient heavy plant allocations by accurately scheduling, planning, and allocating work orders, site details, and necessary equipment to internal stakeholders.
  • Achieved high levels of stakeholder satisfaction by delivering exceptional service focused on fully meeting the internal stakeholder needs.
  • Contributed to enhanced team productivity and time management by identifying and proposing process and business improvement opportunities to the Team Leader.

Education

First Aid and CPR -

First Aid Accident and Emergency
02.2025

Current C-Class Drivers Licence -

Queensland Government
01.2025

General Construction (White Card) -

GL Training and Safety
07.2021

Certificate III in Business Administration -

Smart Employment Solutions
01.2008

Skills

  • Cost estimation
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication
  • Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
  • Building and sustaining strong professional relationships
  • Collaborative team contributor
  • Customer service oriented
  • Independently managing workloads and deadlines
  • Effective communicator with stakeholders while working autonomously
  • Proven ability to meet strict deadlines
  • Identifying and implementing business improvement opportunities

Software

  • Cubit Expertise
  • SAP GUI
  • Objective
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Jira

References

Available upon request

Education Training And Licenses

  • General Construction (White Card), 07/2021, GL Training and Safety
  • First Aid and CPR, 02/2025, First Aid Accident and Emergency
  • Certificate III in Business Administration, 01/2008, Smart Employment Solutions
  • Current C-Class Drivers Licence, 2025, Queensland Government

Timeline

Estimator

City of Gold Coast
01.2025 - Current

Network Operations Officer

City of Gold Coast
07.2024 - 01.2025

Contract Support Officer

City of Gold Coast
12.2021 - 07.2024

Plant Hire Officer

City of Gold Coast
06.2021 - 12.2021

First Aid and CPR -

First Aid Accident and Emergency

Current C-Class Drivers Licence -

Queensland Government

General Construction (White Card) -

GL Training and Safety

Certificate III in Business Administration -

Smart Employment Solutions

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Sarah Mills