Cost Estimator | CM

🏗️ Cost Estimator – Construction Consultancy

📍 Chicago, IL (Hybrid/On-Site)

A leading construction consultancy is seeking an experienced Cost Estimator to join its growing team in Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded estimating professional to support high-profile projects across commercial interiors, ground-up developments, mission critical, healthcare, education, and major capital programs.

The Cost Estimator will play a key role in delivering accurate, defensible cost plans and estimates while supporting clients with strategic commercial insight throughout the full project lifecycle.

🔑 Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates and cost plans from early concept through construction documentation
• Interpret drawings, specifications, and project requirements to validate scope and pricing assumptions
• Complete full quantity take-offs across civil/sitework, structural, architectural, and MEP trades
• Engage subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive and complete trade pricing
• Perform bid analysis, scope leveling, and trade comparisons to ensure estimate accuracy and completeness
• Support change management including change order review, cost impact assessments, and budget reconciliation
• Contribute to value engineering exercises and cost optimization strategies
• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and project coordination sessions as required
• Produce high-quality cost reports, estimate narratives, and client-ready documentation

🎯 Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or related field (preferred)
• Proven estimating experience across vertical construction projects (interiors and/or ground-up)
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, and trade packaging
• Ability to deliver both conceptual budgets and detailed bid-level estimates
• Familiarity with delivery models such as Design-Bid-Build, CM at Risk, and Design-Build
• Proficiency with estimating software, digital takeoff tools, and advanced Excel cost modeling
• Exposure to BIM-enabled estimating is a plus
• Strong communication skills with the ability to operate in a client-facing consultancy environment

💼 Why Join

• Work on high-value, complex construction programs with leading clients
• Be part of a high-performing consultancy team delivering premium commercial advisory services
• Strong career growth potential in a structured, professional environment