What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Administrator/Estimator position at Cullen Construction?
Overview:
Cullen Construction is a third generation company started in 1953 by Edward E. Cullen. Built from a foundation committed to integrity and excellence, today's Cullen Construction continues this legacy of high quality building standards by combining professional project management and field supervision with strong administrative and design support.
Today, Cullen Construction maintains the highest standards by employing the finest and most dedicated craftsmen, designers and support staff. Our team members and subcontractors are committed to an outstanding level of detail throughout every phase of construction; from initial designs to the final walk-through. Cullen’s carpenters and craftsmen have over 100 years of experience in residential building and fine carpentry to help bring your project to life.
Position:
The Project Administrator/Estimator plays a key role in supporting both pre-construction and active project phases. In this role, you’ll contribute directly to the success of each project—helping shape scopes, reviewing plans, coordinating subcontractor pricing, and preparing accurate proposals. Once projects are underway, you’ll assist in keeping everything running smoothly in documentation, schedules, selections, change orders, invoicing, and communication between clients, architects, subcontractors, and our internal team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is excited to play a central role in delivering high-quality construction projects. If you’re organized, communicative, and eager to grow within a reputable construction company, we’d love to hear from you.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as a primary liaison between clients, architects, designers, subcontractors, and the internal team, ensuring clear communication and documentation.
- Support project setup and planning, including scheduling, scope development, and pricing updates with the Project Manager and Foreman/Coordinator.
- Coordinate and track material and finish selections, request samples, and maintain documentation in Excel or BuilderTrend.
- Review architectural, civil, and structural plans to understand project requirements and support accurate estimating.
- Develop detailed project scopes and coordinate pricing with subcontractors and vendors.
- Prepare clear, organized proposals, estimates, and project notes for client and architect review.
- Present proposals and discuss pricing, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities.
- Attend regular site visits and team meetings to verify conditions and stay aligned with project progress.
- Manage the full change order process, including scope confirmation, pricing, approvals, and documentation.
- Review vendor invoices and subcontractor pricing against contracts, allowances, and change orders to identify discrepancies.
- Maintain and monitor project schedules and assist with bi-weekly client invoicing and progress billing.
- Support project closeout by preparing final documentation, warranties, and handoff materials.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a professional, client-facing demeanor.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactive and inquisitive, with the ability to anticipate project needs and ask the right questions.
- Working knowledge of residential construction terminology, pricing, and estimating.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with project management or construction software, BuilderTrend, is a plus.
- Prior experience in luxury residential construction or working with ultra-high-net-worth clients is preferred.
Experience Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a project coordination, administrative, or client-facing role within the residential construction, interior design, or architectural industry.
- Proven experience supporting complex, multi-phase construction or renovation projects from start to finish.
- Prior experience working with luxury residential projects or UHNW clients strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with reviewing construction documents, tracking product selections, and managing change orders.
