Estimator

Company: Highlands General Contracting

Location: Mount Pleasant, SC

Role: Estimator

Industry: Construction

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 Benefits

About Us

We are a well-established, mid-sized general contractor specializing in retail upfits/rollouts, multi-family capital expenditure improvements, and historic adaptive reuse projects (primarily multi-family and mixed-use). Our portfolio includes national retail brands, institutional-grade multi-family owners, and high-profile historic renovations valued between $2M–$25M. We pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship, on-time/on-budget delivery, and long-term client relationships.

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Construction Estimator with approximately 4 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, with a strong focus on tenant upfit, commercial renovation, multifamily, and related project types. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, proficient in cost modeling, and capable of working in a fast-paced preconstruction environment. This role is essential in developing accurate project budgets, preparing competitive bids, and supporting project teams throughout the preconstruction and construction lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analyses, and estimates for conceptual, schematic, and fully designed projects.

- Develop comprehensive budgets for tenant improvements, commercial renovations, multifamily developments, and associated scopes such as site work, MEP systems, and structural modifications.

- Analyze project documents (drawings, specifications, addenda) to identify scope requirements, risks, and cost impacts.

- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing, ensuring accuracy, scope alignment, and competitive coverage.

- Perform value engineering analyses to provide cost-effective alternatives without compromising design intent.

- Maintain and update historical cost data to improve estimating accuracy and market competitiveness.

Collaboration & Communication

- Work closely with project managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to clarify scope and ensure alignment in pricing.

- Support the preconstruction team during proposal development, including bid packages, scope narratives, and pricing exhibits.

- Participate in internal project handoff meetings to ensure seamless transition from estimating to operations.

Project & Document Management

- Manage bid calendars, subcontractor outreach, and RFI processes throughout the estimating phase.

- Assist in developing project schedules and phasing plans that correspond with estimating deliverables.

- Track project changes and maintain updated estimates to support change order pricing.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Experience & Technical Background

- 1 years of construction estimating experience, preferably with tenant upfit, commercial renovation, and multifamily projects.

- Strong understanding of construction assemblies, building systems, and trade scopes.

- Experience working in both hard-bid and negotiated preconstruction environments.

Software Proficiency

- Excel (advanced functions, cost modeling, pivot tables, data management).

- Procore (project management, drawing review, change events).

- Bluebeam Revu (quantity takeoffs, markups, document management).

- Ability to quickly learn new digital workflows and construction technology platforms.

Competencies

- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in calculations.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

- Ability to manage multiple deadlines, bids, and priorities simultaneously.

- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team-driven environment.

- Ability to articulate clear status and timelines to clients

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.

- Equivalent work experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

- Experience with ground-up commercial or mixed-use projects.

- Relationships with subcontractors in relevant trades and markets.

Compensation & Benefits

- Highly competitive base salary ($80,000 - $100,000 DOE)

- Performance bonus program

- Healthcare coverage (50% personal coverage, 25% dependents coverage by employer), Vision and Dental plans offered

- 2–3 weeks PTO holidays

- Computer provided & phone reimbursement

- Continuing education and certification reimbursement