Senior Estimator

SENIOR ESTIMATOR – Lead the Work Before It Starts

Cornerstone General Contractors | Anchorage, Alaska

More than a job. An opportunity to lead and shape what we build.

At Cornerstone, we don’t just build commercial projects, we build careers, teams, and long-term success. Since 1993, we’ve grown as a 100% Alaskan-owned company by focusing on cooperation, accountability, and doing things the right way.

We’re looking for an Senior Estimator who wants more than producing estimates, someone who wants to lead a team, influence strategy, and play a key role in winning and shaping projects across Alaska.

WHY ESTIMATING (AND WHY IT MATTERS AT A LEADERSHIP LEVEL)

Estimating is one of the most dynamic and influential functions in construction and at the leadership level, its impact is even greater.

It sits at the center of how work is won, how projects are shaped, and how teams succeed. From early concept through final proposal, estimating leaders drive strategy, guide decision-making, and influence outcomes long before construction begins.

This role combines leadership, problem-solving, and market awareness with the energy of competition and the responsibility of building high-performing teams.

For those who want to lead, shape opportunity, and make a measurable impact across projects and people, estimating leadership is a powerful career path.

What You’ll Do (The Impact You’ll Have)

This role sits at the center of preconstruction leading people, process, and project strategy from concept through award.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Estimating Team, setting clear direction and expectations
• Support Estimating Engineers, Associate Estimators, and Cost Estimators in their growth and performance
• Build a team culture focused on accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
• Provide day-to-day guidance across all preconstruction efforts

Estimating & Preconstruction Strategy

• Lead estimate startup, progress, and final review meetings
• Oversee the development of detailed and conceptual cost estimates
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in the use of historical cost data
• Guide value engineering, constructability analysis, and cost strategy
• Establish and manage pre-bid schedules and estimating workflows

Project & Client Impact

• Partner with clients, architects, engineers, and stakeholders to align scope, cost, and schedule
• Lead subcontractor engagement and bid strategy to drive competitive, complete proposals
• Review and level subcontractor proposals to ensure scope clarity and completeness
• Influence early project decisions that directly impact project success

Business & Continuous Improvement

• Strengthen relationships with subcontractors and industry partners
• Contribute to business development and pursuit strategy
• Analyze project performance data (cost, schedule, productivity) to improve future estimates
• Drive innovation, problem-solving, and process improvement across the estimating function

This is a high-impact leadership role you’re not just estimating, you’re shaping how projects are won and delivered.

What You Bring

We’re looking for leaders who combine technical expertise with the ability to develop people and drive results.

• 7 years of commercial construction experience (field and/or office)
• 5 years experience in estimating vertical commercial projects
• 3 years experience leading or mentoring team members
• Advanced understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and cost structures
• Experience with takeoff software (E-Takeoff, OST, etc.)
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills

Bonus if you have:

• Alaska construction experience
• Foreman, Project Engineer, or leadership experience in the field
• AEP/CPE certification (ASPE)
• Experience with 3D/modeling and construction technology

Compensation

• $90K to $125K base salary (based on experience and leadership capability)
• Performance-based bonus (up to 15%) tied to individual and company results

Our philosophy is simple:

leaders who drive performance and results share in the success they help create.

What You Get (Total Rewards That Actually Matter)

Health & Wellness

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
• Plans backed by trusted national carriers
• Benefits designed to provide real value and long-term support
• Wellness-focused approach that supports your life beyond work

Time & Flexibility

• Generous PTO that allows for balance and recovery
• Paid holidays plus a company-wide break from Christmas through New Year’s
• Paid volunteer time to support your community
• A culture that respects sustainable performance not burnout

Your Future

• 401(k) with profit sharing of at least 3% or more, depending on company performance
• Performance-based incentives aligned with company success
• Leadership growth opportunities and expanded responsibility
• Support for continued professional development and career progression

Where We Go Beyond the Market

• Wellness stipend for real-life use
• Referral bonuses plus additional PTO
• Merit-based advancement driven by performance not tenure
• Life-event support programs
• PTO donation program to support team members in times of need

Our Culture

We’re building a team of people who take ownership, lead with accountability, and perform at a high level.

• Performance matters and it’s recognized and rewarded
• Leadership and results are visible, measured, and tied directly to opportunity.
• You have real ownership over your team and outcomes
• You’re trusted to lead, make decisions, and drive results without unnecessary oversight.
• Collaboration across teams is expected
• Preconstruction, operations, and field teams work together to deliver stronger outcomes.
• Your impact shapes projects and people
• You influence not just estimates but teams, strategy, and project success.
• Growth is based on contribution, not tenure
• Leadership opportunities are earned through performance, initiative, and results.

Why Cornerstone

Here’s what sets Cornerstone apart and why leaders choose to build their careers here.

• Fair, performance-based pay aligned with leadership impact
• A strong, team-first environment built on trust and accountability
• Work that matters, shaping projects across Alaska from the ground up
• A company that invests in your whole life, not just your role