Estimator III

Estimator III

McFarland Construction

McFarland Construction is seeking a seasoned Estimator III to lead preconstruction efforts on a complex mission critical and data center project in the Southern Great Plains market. This role will have direct client exposure, a strong repeat-client pipeline, and meaningful growth trajectory.

This role will be primarily remote with some travel.

Being local to Tulsa OK is preferred

Company Overview

McFarland Construction is a full-service commercial construction firm, specializing in the delivery of projects through general contracting, design/build, and construction management engagements. Offering services across a diverse range of market segments which include Commercial/Corporate Interiors, Mission Critical/Data Center, Education, Federal, Financial, Healthcare, Hospitality, Industrial/Energy, Multi-family, Solar, and Transportation.

Founded in 2010, McFarland Construction was recently recognized as the 2021 prime contractor of the year, one of the best places to work, and one of the top 50 fastest growing privately-owned companies in the Charlotte region. If you enjoy growth, making an impact, collaboration and want to be a part of an innovative, unique fast-growing company, we have an amazing opportunity for you!

­­­Job Summary

Lead preconstruction efforts for mission critical/data center projects, supporting fast-paced, complex developments in the Southern Great Plains region. This role is responsible for driving project budgets, estimating strategy, and client deliverables from early conceptual design through GMP and final bidding.

The Estimator III will play a key role in shaping project outcomes through strategic cost planning, trade partner engagement, and collaboration with internal teams, clients, and design partners. This position requires a high level of ownership, critical thinking, and the ability to deliver accurate, market-informed budgets in dynamic and fast-track environments.

Key Responsibilities include:

Preconstruction Leadership & Ownership

• • Lead and/or support preconstruction efforts from early conceptual design through GMP and final bidding phases.
  • Develop, manage, and communicate project budgets at all design stages (conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents).
  • Take ownership of deliverables including estimates, proposals, assumptions, and clarifications to support client decision-making and project award.

Estimating Strategy & Execution

• • Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for all major building systems including civil, structural, architectural, and MEP scopes.
  • Develop accurate conceptual estimates from limited information, including narratives, space plans, and early design documents.
  • Lead lump sum bidding efforts and assemble comprehensive public and private bid packages.
  • Ensure all estimates reflect current market conditions, material availability, and constructability considerations.

Trade Partner Engagement & Bid Day Management

• • Build and manage strategic bid lists to drive strong, competitive trade partner participation.
  • Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor/vendor proposals to ensure scope completeness and value alignment.
  • Lead bid day activities, including coverage analysis, gap mitigation, and internal budgeting where necessary.

Value Engineering & Cost Optimization

• • Develop and manage value engineering logs, providing timely cost studies and alternative solutions.
  • Proactively identify opportunities for cost savings, schedule improvements, and material substitutions.
  • Collaborate with design teams to maintain alignment with project budgets while preserving design intent.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• • Partner with Operations to evaluate project logistics, schedule, constructability, safety, and general conditions. Specifically, as a valued contributor on a hyperscale type project.
  • Participate in client, architect, and engineer meetings, providing clear and confident cost guidance.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment across estimating, scheduling, purchasing, and execution strategies.

Documentation & Risk Management

• • Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents to identify gaps, conflicts, and risk exposures.
  • Develop and manage RFI logs during preconstruction to clarify scope and reduce uncertainty.
  • Prepare comprehensive scopes of work and bid packages to ensure trade partner accountability and coverage.

Professional Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• • Maintain a high standard of accuracy, organization, and communication across multiple concurrent projects.
  • Stay current with industry trends, market conditions, and evolving construction practices.
  • Contribute to a collaborative team environment, supporting both internal teams and external partners.

Education & Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 to 8 years of commercial construction estimating experience is preferred. A combination of estimating and project management experience is acceptable.
• Minimum of 3 years commercial preconstruction experience with a General Contractor is required.
• Mission critical and data center experience is preferred.
• Strong experience in estimating structural and architectural packages required.
• Experience in estimating precast structures is preferred.
• Fast-track and phased procurement along a staggered preconstruction activity phase.
• Demonstrated ability to thoroughly understand drawings and specifications, general contract and subcontract documents, materials, means and methods.
• Experience with estimating ground up and interior renovations projects with a general contractor.
• LEED experience preferred.
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Office, On-screen Takeoff, and Bluebeam software knowledge.
• Experience with online bidding platforms, such as: Total Bid and/or Power Advocate is preferred.
• Must be able to manage tight deadlines and the responsibility of accurately forecasting the budget for a project.
• Thrives in a team oriented preconstruction environment.
• Must be self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Strong and concise speaker/presenter.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Strong math and analytical skills.
• Strong and creative problem-solving skills.