Senior Estimator

Our client, an established and growing commercial General Contractor, is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join its Houston team. This is a key strategic hire and an opportunity to become the first dedicated estimating professional in the Houston market, helping establish and lead local estimating efforts as the company continues expanding its presence throughout the region.

The Houston office is currently a close-knit team of approximately 10–12 professionals, with several projects preparing to move forward and an active pipeline of additional opportunities. This individual will have significant ownership over the Houston market while being supported by an established estimating and preconstruction team in Texas.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Estimator who has built strong relationships within the Houston subcontractor community and is looking for greater ownership, visibility, and long-term leadership potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts for commercial construction projects throughout the Houston market
• Manage estimates from early conceptual and schematic phases through final pricing and bid submission
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop comprehensive project estimates
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier pricing
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Houston-area subcontractors and trade partners
• Participate in both negotiated pursuits and competitive bid opportunities
• Review drawings, specifications, and project requirements to identify scope, risk, and potential cost impacts
• Develop conceptual budgets and schematic estimates during early stages of project development
• Collaborate with operations, preconstruction, and estimating leadership throughout the pursuit and preconstruction process
• Participate in team bid reviews and contribute to final pricing and strategy decisions
• Help establish estimating processes, market knowledge, and subcontractor relationships as the Houston operation continues to grow

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of commercial construction estimating experience
• Strong knowledge of the Houston commercial construction market
• Established relationships within the Houston subcontractor and vendor community
• Experience managing estimates from conceptual/schematic pricing through final bid
• Hands-on experience performing takeoffs, obtaining subcontractor pricing, leveling bids, and building complete estimates
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project costs
• Experience with negotiated work and competitive bidding
• Ability to operate independently while collaborating closely with estimating, preconstruction, and operations teams
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
• Experience with Autodesk ProEst is preferred; comparable estimating software experience will also be considered

Why This Opportunity?

This isn't an opportunity to simply step into an established estimating department. You'll have the chance to help build one.

As the first dedicated estimating hire in Houston, you'll take ownership of estimating efforts for a growing market while working alongside experienced regional and company leadership. You'll have the resources and support of an established Texas team while playing a significant role in shaping how the Houston operation grows.

For a Senior Estimator who knows the Houston market and is ready for more ownership and influence than a traditional estimating position provides, this offers a unique opportunity to make an immediate impact.