Senior Estimator

Reports to: President

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Salaried-Exempt

Location: Haltom City, Texas

Compensation: $110,000 - $145,000 per year

Benefits: 401(k) with matching, health/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, weekly pay

About CGC

For more than three decades, CGC General Contractors has built excellence through our projects, our people, and the relationships that power them. As a trusted and reputable general contractor, we've established deep local connections while successfully delivering diverse projects for both public and private clients. We live and work by our core values of Excellence, Integrity, Unity, Innovation, and Passion. As our business continues to grow, we are expanding our Pre-Construction department and seeking a Senior Estimator to lead major pursuits and elevate our pricing accuracy and processes.

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator is a key member of CGC’s Pre-Construction team responsible for leading the estimating effort on multiple projects simultaneously—from conceptual budgeting through final GMP or competitive proposal. The role leads and actively prepares accurate and detailed cost estimates for a variety of commercial construction projects. This role plays a key part in the preconstruction process, analyzing drawings and specifications, identifying risk and opportunities, and developing competitive, complete proposals. The ideal candidate is self-driven to exceed expectations, a team player, detail-oriented, proactive, and brings extensive construction knowledge and leadership experience to the estimating team.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Construction Leadership

• Lead the estimating process on all assigned projects (CMAR, CSP, JOC, hard bids).
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design-development, and final estimates.
• Build, maintain, and improve CGC’s cost history, unit pricing, and assemblies.

Scope & Takeoff

• Perform detailed quantity takeoff for all divisions using applicable software.
• Develop clear, complete scope sheets for every trade package.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, and constructability issues early.

Subcontractor Management

• Manage subcontractor lists; ensure qualified bidders in every division.
• Lead bid invitations, follow-ups, bid leveling, and scope reviews.
• Evaluate past subcontractor performance and maintain updated grading.

Budgeting & Pricing

• Complete estimates using historical and actual pricing for labor, material, subcontracts, equipment, and other including general conditions and requirements.
• Analyze labor, materials, equipment, productivity factors, and logistics.
• Apply RSMeans factors, market conditions, escalation, and location adjustments.
• Ensure accuracy of alternates, allowances, contingencies, and value engineering.

RFP & Proposal Production

• Coordinate the full proposal process in collaboration with marketing.
• Develop executive summaries, clarifications, scope narratives, and schedules.
• Confirm compliance with all RFP requirements, addenda, and submittal formats.

Collaboration & Handoff

• Participate in O/A/C meetings during pre-con phases as needed.
• Provide the project team with complete turnover packages upon award.
• Support Project Managers with buyout, scope reviews, and early procurement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in the construction industry with emphasis on project management.
• 7-12 years of commercial estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Strong background in K-12, municipal, higher-ed, and public sector work.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction means and methods, building systems, and materials.
• Experience in CMAR and GMP development.
• Prior experience mentoring junior or mid-level estimators.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex estimates and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills with owners, architects, and subcontractors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven track record of successfully estimating projects in the $5M–$50M range.