Lead Estimator

Department: Preconstruction / Estimating

Reports to: President

Location: Chicago, IL – Corporate Office

Employment Type & Shift: Full-time benefits eligible

Why Bridger?

Bridger Construction is a growing general contractor with an entrepreneurial approach, a strong foundation in federal construction, and an ambitious vision for the future. We have built our reputation by successfully delivering complex construction projects, particularly in healthcare environments, and are focused on expanding our capabilities, entering new markets, and building a diversified construction company.

At Bridger, we believe our greatest asset is our people. We are committed to building a team of talented, driven professionals who take ownership of their work, embrace challenges, and want to make a meaningful impact. Our culture is grounded in three core values: Resilience, Teamwork, and Integrity. These principles guide how we operate, how we treat one another, and how we build lasting relationships with our clients and trade partners.

As we expand into private-sector construction, we are looking for individuals who are excited by the opportunity to build something, not simply maintain what already exists. This is an opportunity to help shape the direction of the business. At Bridger, your ideas are valued and your professional growth is directly connected to the company's success.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to lead our estimating and preconstruction efforts while playing an important role in expanding Bridger's presence in the private sector.

This position will be responsible for managing the full estimating process, including solicitation reviews, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor procurement, cost development, bid strategy, risk assessment, and final proposal preparation. In addition to supporting Bridger's established federal construction business, the Lead Estimator will help identify, evaluate, and pursue opportunities in private healthcare, higher education, commercial, and other target markets.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical estimating expertise, established industry relationships, commercial construction experience, and an entrepreneurial mindset. This individual will work directly with executive leadership to strengthen Bridger's preconstruction capabilities, improve bid competitiveness, and support the company's long-term diversification and growth strategy.

This is a hands-on leadership position with significant responsibility, autonomy, and opportunity for professional advancement.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Management

• Lead the complete estimating and bidding process for federal and private-sector construction projects, from initial opportunity evaluation through final proposal submission.
• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction cost estimates.
• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs and develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions.
• Develop competitive estimates for hard-bid, negotiated, and design-build opportunities.
• Evaluate construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents to identify project requirements, scope gaps, and potential risks.
• Prepare detailed bid summaries, subcontractor comparisons, estimate reviews, and pricing recommendations for executive leadership.
• Manage multiple concurrent estimates while maintaining accuracy, completeness, and strict adherence to deadlines.
• Develop and maintain standardized estimating procedures, templates, and historical cost databases.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of qualified subcontractors and suppliers across Bridger's federal and private-sector markets.
• Prepare comprehensive bid packages and clearly communicate project scope, specifications, and submission requirements.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals to identify scope gaps, exclusions, qualifications, and cost risks.

Market Expansion and Business Development

• Support Bridger's strategic expansion into private commercial construction, with an initial emphasis on healthcare, higher education, and other targeted commercial markets.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to identify attractive private-sector construction opportunities that align with Bridger's experience, capabilities, and growth objectives.
• Help establish relationships with private owners, developers, architects, engineers, construction managers, and other industry partners.
• Participate in business development meetings, industry events, and networking opportunities.
• Assist in preparing qualifications packages, conceptual budgets, preconstruction proposals, and responses to requests for proposals.
• Support the development of negotiated project opportunities by providing early cost input, value engineering recommendations, and preliminary project budgets.
• Research market conditions, construction costs, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities within targeted geographic and industry markets.
• Provide recommendations on bid/no-bid decisions based on project profitability, strategic fit, competition, and operational capabilities.

Operations Collaboration

• Coordinate with project managers and superintendents to incorporate operational experience and lessons learned into future estimates.
• Lead formal project turnover meetings following contract award.
• Provide detailed estimate documentation, subcontractor proposals, scope clarifications, budgets, and risk assessments to project management personnel.
• Support project teams with pricing analysis for significant changes and value engineering opportunities.
• Review completed project performance against original estimates to identify areas for improvement.
• Promote strong communication and accountability between preconstruction and operations.

Department Development and Continuous Improvement

• Help establish and improve Bridger's estimating systems, procedures, and best practices as the company grows.
• Develop historical cost databases using completed project information and actual construction costs.
• Track bid competitiveness, estimating accuracy, subcontractor participation, and project award rates.
• Identify and implement estimating technology and process improvements.
• Establish scalable preconstruction procedures that support both competitive bidding and negotiated project delivery.
• Support the future development of Bridger's preconstruction department, including mentoring additional estimating personnel.
• Maintain an organized bid pipeline and provide regular reporting to executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent relevant construction experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing competitive bids for complex commercial construction projects.
• Experience with private-sector commercial construction estimating, including negotiated projects, conceptual budgeting, or preconstruction services.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, construction methods, and subcontractor scopes of work.
• Experience preparing detailed estimates, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bid leveling, and scope evaluations.
• Strong relationships within the commercial construction industry, including subcontractors, suppliers, or other industry partners.
• Knowledge of construction scheduling, project logistics, general conditions, and construction cost drivers.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software such as Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, or comparable platforms.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication, negotiation, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership.
• Experience with private healthcare systems, universities, developers, or commercial building owners.
• Familiarity with negotiated construction contracts and design-build delivery.

Salary Range: $150,000.00 to $175,000.00 Annually

Annual salary range noted above based on experience and qualifications. Employees in this role are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, up to 20% of their base salary, dependent on both individual performance and company financial results.

Additional Benefits:

·       Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

·       401(k) with company match

·       Professional development and continuing education

·       Clear career advancement opportunities as Bridger continues to grow

Bridger is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will receive equal employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.