Demo

Estimator

James McHugh Construction Co.
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/8/2026

We are seeking a new Estimator to join our Estimating team. As a Estimator you will coordinate estimating activity for a specific trade or group of trades including subcontractor relations, bid scope preparation, bid management, bid evaluation, preparation of subcontractor bid comparisons, and recommendation of the lowest responsible bidder for the work.

As a member of the Estimating team, you will report to our Senior Preconstruction Manager as well as work closely with other members of the estimating team.

Responsibilities of an Estimator:

  • Exercise discretion to obtain the best bids for assigned scope of work.
  • Prepare accurate, organized, and concise scope directives with appropriate quantities for subcontractor use in preparing bid proposals. 
  • Coordinate scope directives with Senior Estimators and other estimators working with related trades.
  • Develop and maintain positive subcontractor relationships through regular dialog with subcontractor representatives.
  • Promote a positive image of McHugh to subcontractors and gather information from subcontractors that is advantageous for McHugh in bid preparation.
  • Canvas subcontractors to ensure adequate subcontractor proposal coverage for all the trades for which you are responsible. 
  • Contact subcontractor suppliers and other sources in order to identify and contact all subcontractors working on each project. 
  • Identify gaps and coordinate coverage with senior estimators and other trade estimators.
  • Develop a thorough knowledge of the bidding documents including general bidding requirements and those requirements relative to your trades on each project. 
  • Organize the bid information in bid tabulation worksheets and review worksheets with senior estimators and other trade estimators when necessary.
  • Identify value engineering opportunities through analysis of bid documents and conversations with subcontractor representatives.   
  • Work with Director of Estimating and Preconstruction Services and senior estimators to prioritize value engineering opportunities.
  • Identify new bid opportunities.

 

Qualifications of an Estimator:

  • Four-year engineering degree or equivalent combination of technical training and/or related experience
  • Construction management or technical training preferred
  • 2 years experience in construction estimating and related functions
  • thorough knowledge of MS Office, On Center OST, and MS Project

 

Why You'll Love Us:

McHugh provides a platform for collaboration, transparency, and efficiency. Within that seamless approach, we offer a full range of core competencies and capabilities including general contracting, construction management, design-build, preconstruction services, program management, concrete construction, structural engineering services on behalf of every client on every project. McHugh’s unwavering commitment and transparency to its clients, its ability to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget, and its dedication to growing and developing its partnerships with subcontractors is the reputation we’ve built and the reason behind our 80% repeat business.
 
We offer the following benefits:
  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  • Medical Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Long-Term Disability

Please note that this position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship
 


James McHugh Construction Co. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, and or any other basis protected by law or company policy.

EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability

 

Salary.com Estimation for Estimator in Chicago, IL
$69,575 to $88,448
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