Senior Estimator

We are seeking an experienced Senior Pre-Construction Estimator to join our growing construction organization.

The Senior Pre-Construction Estimator will be responsible for independently developing accurate, complete, and competitive estimates for commercial construction projects ranging from approximately $5 million to $15 million , with opportunities to work on larger projects as the company continues to grow.

This position will play a key role in taking projects from initial pursuit and conceptual budgeting through detailed estimating, subcontractor procurement, final bid submission, and turnover to the operations team.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of construction means and methods, excellent subcontractor relationships, the ability to read and interpret plans and specifications, and the judgment to identify cost, scope, schedule, and constructability risks before a project is awarded.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator who wants to become a key member of a growing construction company and potentially progress into a Chief Estimator / Pre-Construction Manager role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Estimating & Pre-Construction

• Independently prepare conceptual, schematic, design-development, and final construction estimates.

• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, geotechnical information, and other project documents.

• Perform and review detailed quantity takeoffs.

• Develop complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, general conditions, insurance, bonds, and other project costs.

• Develop project budgets and cost models.

• Establish the basis of estimate, assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, and qualifications.

• Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, conflicts, and potential cost exposures.

• Review project schedules and provide estimating input regarding sequencing, logistics, and procurement.

• Participate in constructability reviews.

Subcontractor & Supplier Procurement

• Develop project-specific subcontractor and supplier bidder lists.

• Solicit competitive proposals from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.

• Review and level subcontractor bids.

• Identify exclusions, qualifications, incomplete scope, and pricing discrepancies.

• Conduct scope reviews with subcontractors.

• Negotiate pricing and scope where appropriate.

• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners.

• Monitor subcontractor coverage and identify gaps before bid day.

Value Engineering & Risk Management

• Identify value-engineering opportunities throughout the pre-construction process.

• Evaluate alternative materials, systems, construction methods, and sequencing.

• Identify project-specific risks and develop appropriate contingencies or mitigation strategies.

• Review existing conditions and site constraints.

• Evaluate long-lead materials and procurement concerns.

• Identify potential schedule and cost impacts before project award.

Bid Management

• Manage multiple estimates and bid deadlines simultaneously.

• Prepare bid tabs, bid summaries, and final estimate documentation.

• Participate in formal estimate reviews with executive leadership.

• Present estimate assumptions, risks, exclusions, and recommendations.

• Assist leadership with bid/no-bid decisions.

• Participate in final pricing and bid strategy.

• Ensure estimates are complete, accurate, properly documented, and submitted on time.

Project Turnover

• Lead the estimating portion of the turnover from pre-construction to operations.

• Clearly communicate estimate assumptions, scope, exclusions, allowances, alternates, subcontractor commitments, and identified risks.

• Participate in turnover meetings with Project Managers, Superintendents, and other project personnel.

• Assist operations with estimating questions following project award.

• Participate in post-bid and post-project reviews to improve future estimates.

Leadership

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Estimators, Project Engineers, and estimating support staff.

• Assist in developing estimating procedures, templates, and standards.

• Maintain historical cost information and project pricing data.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes.

• Help develop and maintain relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers.

• Serve as a senior technical resource within the pre-construction department.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

- 7–10+ years of commercial construction estimating/pre-construction experience.

• Demonstrated experience independently estimating projects in the $5M–$15M+ range .

• Strong understanding of commercial construction means, methods, materials, and sequencing.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

• Demonstrated experience soliciting, analyzing, and leveling subcontractor and supplier bids.

• Strong understanding of general conditions, general requirements, labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and project-specific costs.

• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.

• Experience with commercial, institutional, healthcare, industrial, municipal, or federal construction.

• CMAR, Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, or negotiated construction experience.

• Experience with conceptual and GMP estimating.

• Experience participating in owner interviews and presentations.

• Experience mentoring junior estimating staff.

• Field construction experience as a Project Engineer, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, or Project Manager.

SOFTWARE EXPERIENCE

Experience with several of the following is preferred:

• Bluebeam

• On-Screen Takeoff

• Procore

• BuildingConnected

• ConstructConnect

• Sage Estimating

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft Project

• Primavera P6

• RSMeans / Gordian

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is more than a takeoff specialist .

We are looking for someone who can take a set of plans and specifications, understand the project, develop the estimate, obtain and level subcontractor pricing, identify missing scope and risk, develop VE opportunities, and present a well-supported final number to company leadership.

The successful candidate should be comfortable making recommendations and challenging assumptions when necessary.

We are particularly interested in an estimator who wants to grow with the company and eventually take on increased responsibility in estimating leadership and pre-construction management .

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Estimate accuracy

• Bid completeness

• Subcontractor coverage

• Identification of scope gaps and risks

• Competitive and disciplined pricing

• Bid deadline performance

• Quality of estimate documentation

• Value-engineering opportunities identified

• Successful estimate-to-operations turnover

• Development of subcontractor relationships

• Accuracy of historical cost information

• Contribution to improving the estimating process

COMPENSATION

Competitive Base Salary , depending on experience and qualifications.

Additional compensation may include:

• Performance bonus

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) / retirement plan

• Paid time off

• Company-paid holidays

• Professional development opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume highlighting:

• Years of estimating experience

• Largest projects personally estimated

• Types of projects estimated

• Approximate annual estimating volume

• Experience with CMAR, Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, or negotiated work

• Estimating software experience

• Experience with subcontractor procurement and bid leveling

• Experience with conceptual/GMP estimating

• Leadership or mentoring experience

• Relevant education and certifications