Estimator/Senior Estimator

Estimator / Senior Estimator — Commercial Construction

AH Construction | Virginia Beach, Virginia | $80,000–$115,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

About AH Construction

AH Construction is an expanding commercial general contractor committed to building exceptional projects and an exceptional team. We are looking for an Estimator or Senior Estimator to join our Virginia Beach, VA team and play an important role in our Preconstruction and Estimating operations.

If you are analytical, detail-oriented, resourceful, and take pride in developing accurate, competitive estimates while building strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and project partners, we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity

As an Estimator or Senior Estimator at AH Construction, you will play a critical role in evaluating construction opportunities, developing comprehensive project cost estimates, coordinating subcontractor and vendor pricing, and supporting successful project pursuits from initial concept through final bid submission.

You will work closely with Preconstruction, Project Management, Operations, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, architects, engineers, owners, and other project partners to develop competitive, accurate, and complete estimates for commercial construction projects.

We are open to candidates at different experience levels. An Estimator will contribute to the estimating process with guidance and collaboration from experienced team members, while a Senior Estimator will bring greater independence, technical expertise, and ownership of complex estimates and bid strategies.

This is an opportunity for someone who understands that successful construction begins long before a project reaches the jobsite. Strong estimating requires technical knowledge, sound judgment, effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

What You'll Do

• Prepare detailed construction cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design development estimates, and final bid estimates as applicable.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, addenda, bid instructions, and other project documents to understand project scope, requirements, and potential risks.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and calculate material, labor, equipment, subcontractor, and other project-related costs.
• Solicit, coordinate, receive, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids to develop complete and competitive project pricing.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and other trade partners to support accurate pricing and successful bid outcomes.
• Follow up on outstanding subcontractor and vendor quotes, clarify scope discrepancies, and obtain complete pricing information before bid deadlines.
• Analyze subcontractor and vendor proposals for scope coverage, exclusions, qualifications, allowances, alternates, and potential gaps.
• Prepare and maintain bid tabs, scope comparisons, quantity takeoffs, estimate summaries, and supporting documentation.
• Identify scope gaps, inconsistencies, cost exposures, schedule considerations, and potential constructability issues during the estimating process.
• Evaluate alternative materials, systems, construction methods, and value-engineering opportunities to help meet project budgets without compromising quality or performance.
• Assist with developing preliminary project budgets and updating estimates as drawings, specifications, and project requirements evolve.
• Coordinate with Preconstruction Managers, Project Managers, and Operations personnel to validate assumptions, review project requirements, and incorporate practical construction considerations into estimates.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, subcontractor meetings, and other activities necessary to understand project conditions and requirements.
• Evaluate site logistics, access, phasing, schedule constraints, existing conditions, and other factors that may affect construction costs.
• Assist with preparing complete and accurate bid proposals, scope narratives, clarifications, qualifications, alternates, and other bid submission materials.
• Maintain organized estimating files, pricing records, historical cost information, subcontractor information, and other documentation to support current and future estimates.
• Utilize estimating, document management, and construction management software to prepare estimates, organize project information, and improve estimating accuracy and efficiency.
• Monitor bid schedules, deadlines, and deliverables to ensure estimates and proposals are completed and submitted on time.
• Participate in project turnover meetings and communicate estimating assumptions, scope details, subcontractor coverage, exclusions, allowances, and other important information to Project Management and Operations.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating procedures, cost databases, bid tracking, and preconstruction practices.
• Represent AH Construction professionally in all interactions with owners, design teams, subcontractors, vendors, and other project partners.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, quantity takeoffs, or a related construction discipline.
• A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Estimating, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical construction experience will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction drawings, specifications, construction methods, materials, and project scopes.
• Ability to interpret plans and specifications and translate project requirements into accurate quantities and cost estimates.
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, and comparing subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with subcontractors, vendors, owners, design professionals, and internal team members.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify discrepancies, missing information, scope gaps, and potential cost risks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Experience with estimating, takeoff, and construction software such as Bluebeam, OST, PlanSwift, Procore, Autodesk, Vista, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate estimating documentation, protecting confidential pricing information, and representing AH Construction professionally.

What Success Looks Like

At AH Construction, a successful Estimator does more than calculate quantities and collect quotes. You help the team understand what a project will cost, where risks exist, and how to develop a competitive and complete proposal.

You take ownership of your estimates, ask the right questions, identify potential issues before they become problems, and communicate clearly with the people who help bring our projects to life.

You understand that accurate estimating requires a combination of technical knowledge, market awareness, strong trade partner relationships, and dependable follow-through.

Your work will directly support AH Construction's ability to win the right projects, establish realistic budgets, manage risk, and deliver successful construction outcomes.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary: $80,000–$115,000, depending on position level, experience, qualifications, and skills.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO.
• Paid holidays.
• Health benefits with generous employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• A collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Location & Work Environment

This position is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to active construction jobsites, project locations, and meetings as business needs require.

The position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects; and communicate effectively with others. Employees may occasionally be required to climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, or navigate uneven jobsite surfaces.

Employees must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug screens.

Why AH Construction?

• Be an important part of a growing commercial construction company.
• Work directly with Preconstruction, Project Management, Operations, subcontractors, vendors, and company leadership.
• Contribute to meaningful commercial construction projects from the earliest planning stages through project turnover.
• Build and strengthen relationships with a network of valued subcontractors, vendors, owners, and design professionals.
• Take ownership of your work and see the direct impact your estimating decisions have on project success.
• Develop your expertise and career within a growing, relationship-driven organization.
• Be part of a team built on integrity, accountability, collaboration, and doing the right thing.

Ready to Be Part of Something Great?

If you are analytical, detail-oriented, collaborative, and ready to make a meaningful contribution to the success of a growing commercial general contractor, we'd love to hear from you.

Send your resume to humanresources@ahccompany.com.

Pay Transparency

In compliance with applicable Virginia pay transparency requirements, AH Construction is committed to pay transparency and equity. The expected annual base salary range for this position is $80,000–$115,000, depending on position level, experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity. This range represents what we reasonably expect to pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications, relevant experience, responsibilities, and internal equity.

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for:

• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Generous company contributions toward health insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• 401(k) with company match.
• AH Construction is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.