Senior Estimator

Overview:

A leading employee-owned company in the construction sector is seeking a detail-oriented Senior Estimator to join their team. This role is key to ensuring accurate, competitive, and strategic bids while maintaining strong relationships with clients and supporting business growth. The position offers the opportunity to work on diverse structural and miscellaneous steel projects in a collaborative environment that values expertise, precision, leadership, and employee ownership.

The Role:

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for leading the preparation of comprehensive cost estimates for steel projects and presenting them to clients, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project requirements. Success in this role means delivering highly precise estimates, mentoring junior estimating staff, supporting preconstruction strategy, and contributing to the company’s reputation for reliability and quality.

The Senior Estimator will work closely with vendors, clients, and internal teams, including project management and operations, while helping guide estimating best practices and bid strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates by analyzing construction drawings, specifications, and related documents.

• Identify labor, material, equipment, and time requirements for projects, ensuring complete and accurate cost forecasting.

• Obtain pricing from vendors and subcontractors for specialty materials and project-specific items.

• Compute total project costs and resolve discrepancies with vendors, subcontractors, or clients.

• Develop and present estimates clearly using both numerical analysis and descriptive information.

• Review bid packages, identify risks and opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.

• Prepare reports summarizing cost trends, project deviations, market conditions, and special analysis.

• Collaborate with project management and operations teams to support seamless project turnover following award.

• Mentor and support junior estimators or project team members as needed.

• Maintain technical expertise by attending workshops, training, and reviewing industry publications.

• Stay informed about steel industry trends, pricing fluctuations, procurement risks, and general economic conditions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent industry experience.

• 5 years of experience as an Estimator, Senior Estimator, or Project Manager in structural and miscellaneous steel construction.

• Proven experience leading complex estimates and managing larger-scale steel projects.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and industry software; experience with FabSuite and Bluebeam preferred.

• Strong ability to read, interpret, and analyze construction drawings and specifications.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Highly detail-oriented, analytical, and able to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership abilities.

Nice to Have:

• Prior experience in an employee-owned company environment.

• Exposure to large-scale or highly complex steel construction projects.

• Experience mentoring junior estimators or supporting preconstruction strategy.

Salary:

Competitive compensation based on experience.

Location:

Tucson, AZ, United States of America.

Benefits:

• Employee ownership participation (ESOP)

• Health and wellness benefits

• Professional development opportunities

• Collaborative and supportive company culture