What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Estimator position at Blue View Builder?
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our team. In this senior role, you will lead project management, cost management, budgeting, and estimating processes across a portfolio of prefab construction projects (single family residential, multi family, and infrastructure). You will provide strategic financial oversight, ensure projects are delivered within budget, and deliver accurate, competitive cost estimates that support winning bids and peak profitable project execution.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented leader with deep expertise in construction cost analysis, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams, clients, and subcontractors.
Key Responsibilities
- Cost Management & Control: Oversee full lifecycle cost management for multiple projects, including budget development, cost forecasting, variance analysis, and cash flow management.
- Estimating Leadership: Prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates for tenders, design-build projects, and change orders. This includes quantity take-offs, pricing labor, materials, equipment, and related costs.
- Competitive Market Research: Review and validate cost database outputs.
- Risk & Value Analysis: Identify project risks and opportunities, perform value engineering, and provide cost advice during pre-construction and design phases.
- Procurement Support: Assist with subcontractor bid analysis, vendor negotiations, and contract award recommendations.
- Establish Work Completion Targets: Develop and set realistic work completion targets and schedules, progress milestones, S-curves, and performance benchmarks in alignment with project schedules and budgets. Monitor actual progress against targets and recommend corrective actions when significant deviations occur.
- Reporting & Forecasting: Produce regular cost reports, earned value analysis, and financial forecasts for senior management and clients.
- Change Management: Evaluate and price variations/claims, assess their impact on project costs and timelines.
- Compliance & Best Practices: Ensure estimates and cost plans comply with industry standards, company policies, and contractual requirements.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, clients, and finance teams to align on cost objectives.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 8 years of progressive experience in construction estimating and cost management.
- Proven track record on mid-scale construction projects (ideally $1-10M value).
- Professional certification is highly desirable (e.g., RICS, CCE, PMP, or equivalent).
Required Skills & Competencies
- Technical Expertise: Mastery of construction cost databases (e.g., RSMeans, BCIS, Craftsman), estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, CostX, PlanSwift, Candy, or similar), and BIM/5D modeling tools.
- Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, VBA), MS Project or Primavera, and ERP/financial systems.
- Analytical & Numerical: Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical mindset, and ability to work with complex data.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present cost reports and advice clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead estimating teams and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of construction methods, materials, market rates, labor laws, and contract forms (e.g., FIDIC, NEC, AIA).
- Competitive salary, profit sharing, and performance-based bonuses
- Professional development opportunities and certification support
- Company vehicle or car allowance (where applicable)
- Collaborative work environment with exposure to high-profile projects