Senior Estimator

The Senior Estimator is accountable for the full lifecycle of preconstruction efforts, from initial pursuit through final submission and handoff. This role leads internal preconstruction staff (Estimators, Junior Estimators, Preconstruction Administrators) and partners with operations, design teams, and trade contractors to achieve accurate scope coverage, disciplined pricing, and reliable proposals. The Senior Estimator oversees quantity takeoffs, scope development, proposal leveling, risk assessment, and bid-day execution while fostering a high-performance culture. This position requires leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to manage multiple estimates across diverse markets simultaneously. It offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the company's success while advancing long-term career growth within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end estimate build for hard-bid, GMP, and cost-plus pursuits across CSI Divisions 1–16.
• Perform and/or direct detailed quantity takeoffs using Bluebeam and develop scope sheets by trade to ensure complete CSI coverage.
• Produce a clear Basis of Estimate (BOE) including assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, means & methods, logistics, phasing, work hours/shift assumptions, and escalation rationale.
• Build General Conditions bottoms-up tied to a draft schedule duration.
• Validate allowances and alternates with spec/page references; capture unit prices and breakouts required by the Instructions to Bidders.
• Run a tiered review cadence (30%, 60%, 90%, 100%) to ensure thorough evaluation and compliance.
• Conduct independent checks on high-risk scopes via peer/second-pass takeoff or benchmark validation.
• Level proposals to ensure consistency and confirm inclusions, exclusions, and other project aspects.
• Benchmark against historical costs and market databases; investigate any variance greater than ±10%.
• Confirm compliance with Instructions to Bidders and maintain an RFI Tracking Log.
• Direct bid-day operations including live quote tracking and final risk/margin decisions.
• Produce a complete submission package and ensure timely delivery.
• Develop a risk register per pursuit and establish contingency methodology.
• Validate bonding, insurance riders, permits/fees, and other commercial requirements.
• Build and maintain trade coverage depth, recruit new subs/vendors.
• Conduct post-bid debriefs and align staffing and general conditions to a draft schedule.
• Lead constructability/means-and-methods reviews early and document cost impacts.
• Provide a clean estimate handoff and support buyout with scope exhibits and pricing reconciliation.
• Maintain and improve estimating templates, CSI-aligned WBS, scope sheets, risk/contingency models, and proposal forms.
• Lead annual takeoff template updates and quarterly cost-data reviews.
• Supervise and coach a team of Estimators and Pre-Construction Administrators.
• Model core values and entrepreneurial operating system discipline.

• 7–10 years of commercial estimating with a general contractor; strong hard-bid experience required; GMP/cost-plus experience preferred.
• Mastery of quantity takeoff and scope development across CSI Divisions 1–16.
• Proficiency with Excel/Sage Estimating (or equivalent), Bluebeam, BuildingConnected; familiarity with Procore.
• Demonstrated success in implementing estimate QA/QC, bid-day procedures, proposal leveling, and BOE documentation.
• Working knowledge of schedule logic and how durations drive staffing/general conditions.
• Strong commercial literacy including bonds, insurance endorsements, permits/fees, LDs, certified payroll.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills; calm and decisive under bid-day pressure.
• Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to travel for pre-bid walks, sub/vendor visits, and client presentations as needed.

• Proficiency in using estimating software and tools.
• Experience in building strong relationships with clients, partners, and teammates.
• Ability to take ownership of outcomes and resolve challenges proactively.
• Drive for continuous improvement in processes, systems, and results.
• Uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism in all actions.

The work environment involves standard office hours from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, with onsite presence at project locations as required. The role may require early starts to ensure project oversight and coordination. The company culture emphasizes clarity, accountability, and alignment, with a focus on embodying core values such as building strong relationships, taking ownership, driving relentless progress, and upholding integrity.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mobile, Alabama.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $135000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mobile,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 31, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $125,000 - $135,000