Commercial Drywall Estimator

Commercial Drywall Estimator

Location: Hillside, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Base Salary: $110,000–$140,000 + Performance-Based Bonus
Industry: Commercial Construction | Specialty Subcontracting

About the Company

We are an established and growing commercial specialty contractor headquartered in Hillside, Illinois, serving the Greater Chicago market.

The company specializes in commercial drywall, metal stud framing, acoustical ceilings, rough carpentry, and interior construction systems. We partner with leading general contractors on commercial interiors, healthcare, multifamily, industrial/warehouse, hospitality, and other complex commercial projects.

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Drywall Estimator who brings strong technical estimating capabilities, established Chicago-area relationships, and the ability to take projects from initial bid through successful completion.

Position Overview

The Commercial Drywall Estimator will be responsible for identifying opportunities, preparing competitive estimates, securing projects, and overseeing awarded work through completion.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with commercial drywall, metal framing, and interior construction, along with a strong understanding of the Chicago construction market. This individual should be comfortable developing estimates, maintaining GC relationships, negotiating contracts, and managing the financial and operational aspects of awarded projects.

Typical project values will range from $500K to $1M.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial drywall, metal stud framing, acoustical ceilings, and related interior construction scopes.
• Perform material takeoffs, labor calculations, cost analysis, and comprehensive bid preparation.
• Review drawings, specifications, and construction documents to identify scope requirements, potential challenges, and cost considerations.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and scope reviews with general contractors.
• Prepare proposals, negotiate pricing, and assist in securing new projects.
• Manage awarded projects from estimating and preconstruction through execution, completion, and closeout.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, labor, material procurement, change orders, and overall profitability.
• Coordinate closely with field leadership, general contractors, vendors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Manage commercial projects typically ranging from $500K to $1M.
• Leverage established Chicago-area GC relationships to identify new bidding opportunities and generate repeat business.
• Maintain and expand a transferable book of business while developing long-term client relationships.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction experience with extensive commercial drywall estimating experience.
• Strong knowledge of drywall systems, metal stud framing, acoustical ceilings, and commercial interior construction.
• Proven ability to estimate, bid, secure, and manage commercial projects through completion.
• Extensive knowledge of the Greater Chicago construction market.
• Established relationships with commercial general contractors throughout the Chicago metro area.
• Transferable book of business with the ability to generate new bidding opportunities and client relationships.
• Experience with commercial interiors, healthcare, multifamily, industrial/warehouse, and similar commercial projects.
• Strong understanding of labor, materials, subcontractor/vendor pricing, project budgeting, and profitability.
• Experience with estimating/takeoff platforms such as On-Screen Takeoff, QuickBid, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar software.
• Strong communication, negotiation, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated career stability and strong tenure with previous employers.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Hillside, Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with union commercial construction trades throughout Chicagoland.
• Established relationships with major Chicago-area general contractors.
• Experience managing multiple estimates and active projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of specialty subcontractor operations and commercial interior construction.
• Demonstrated success developing repeat business and maintaining long-term GC relationships.
• Experience with both ground-up commercial projects and complex interior renovations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of $110,000–$140,000, commensurate with experience, relationships, and book of business.
• Performance-based bonus opportunity in addition to base salary, tied to individual and company performance, project profitability, and business generated.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Retirement plan with 3% employer safe harbor contribution.
• Full-time, stable employment with an established commercial specialty contractor.
• Long-term career growth and advancement opportunities.
• Opportunity to play a meaningful role in expanding the company's Chicago-area client base and project portfolio.

APPLY TODAY!!!

Pay: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Which commercial interior scopes have you estimated? List examples
• Do you currently work for, or have recent experience with, a commercial specialty subcontractor?
• Do you have experience estimating and managing the same project from bid through completion?
• Do you have established relationships with commercial GCs in the Chicago market?
• Do you have a transferable book of business and established client relationships?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Commercial drywall estimating: 4 years (Preferred)
• Commercial construction: 7 years (Preferred)
• Commercial project manager: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person