Estimator / Purchasing

Job Title: Estimator / Purchasing

Company Name: ARES Construction LLC

Pay Range: $70,000 – $85,000 per year (based on experience) Performance Bonus

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday–Friday

Location: Metro Tampa, FL

Industry: New Construction / Rehabilitation (Residential, Government or Federal)

Job Overview

ARES Construction is seeking a detail-oriented and financially driven Estimator / Purchasing professional to support our residential disaster recovery construction projects. This role plays a critical part in protecting margins, controlling costs, and ensuring projects are set up for success from pre-construction through execution.

The ideal candidate understands how construction projects make money, takes ownership of financial accuracy, and works collaboratively with Field Operations to ensure budgets, buyouts, and material procurement align with project profitability goals.

Who We Are

ARES Construction is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) specializing in residential disaster recovery construction. Based in The Woodlands, TX, we partner with CDBG, FEMA, and HUD-funded programs to rebuild communities impacted by natural disasters—primarily along the Gulf Coast.

We are highly selective about who joins our team because culture and accountability matter. Our leadership protects our values and expects every team member to own their area of responsibility. At ARES, you’ll work alongside professionals who care about results, integrity, and rebuilding communities with purpose.

Learn more at: www.aresbuild.com

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for residential construction and disaster recovery projects
• Analyze scopes of work, plans, specifications, and program requirements
• Develop accurate budgets that align with target margins
• Responsible for creating and submitting Change Orders
• Perform material take-offs and quantity tracking
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor bids; level and compare proposals
• Negotiate pricing with vendors and subcontractors to protect profitability
• Manage project buyouts and issue purchase orders
• Track committed costs and assist in monitoring project financial performance
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or compliance
• Maintain organized documentation and cost records
• Collaborate with Superintendents and Project Managers to ensure field execution aligns with budget
• Assist in sourcing trades in disaster-impacted markets

Qualifications

• 5 years of estimating, purchasing, or project cost management experience in residential construction preferred
• Strong understanding of construction cost structures and margin protection
• Ability to perform material take-offs and analyze scopes of work
• Experience negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction management software
• Proficiency in Xactimate software
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
• High School Diploma or GED required
• No specific licenses or certifications required

Ideal Candidate

• Strong communicator and team collaborator
• Goal-oriented and highly self-accountable
• Financially disciplined with a clear understanding of how construction projects generate profit
• Detail-focused and organized
• Problem-solver who can adapt quickly in fast-paced environments
• Maintains a “can-do” attitude and supports operational success

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 per year (based on experience)
• Performance Bonus opportunities tied to company and project results
• Bi-Weekly Pay Cycle
• Paid Time Off
• Tech Package
• Company Events
• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Monday – Friday
• Weekend work may be required depending on project demands and disaster response timelines

Work Location

• Corporate Office: The Woodlands, TX
• Primary project locations: Gulf Coast region (Current focus: Tampa, FL and surrounding counties)

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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