Senior Cost Estimator

Job Title: Senior Lead Estimator – Complex Commercial Projects

Location: Wilmington, DE

Schedule: Monday to Friday, On-site

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Overview

Our Client is seeking a Senior Lead Estimator to lead our estimating efforts on complex, large-scale commercial construction projects. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for managing both estimates and a team of estimators, ranging from entry-level to Principal Estimators. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in the life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, higher education, and infrastructure sectors and a strong background in either general or mechanical contracting—with particular focus on insulation of duct and piping systems.

This role will be integral to driving strategic growth, developing estimating processes, and delivering cost-competitive and accurate proposals that align with client expectations and company standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide direction and oversight to a team of estimators, ensuring the achievement of departmental and project goals.
• Train, coach, mentor, and support the career development of estimating team members at all levels.
• Manage team resources to effectively meet workload demands and actively expand estimating opportunities through client and internal partnerships.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of departmental processes and procedures, contributing to the broader strategic vision of the estimating function.

Project Estimating & Delivery

• Lead full-cycle estimating efforts from conceptual budgeting to final GMP proposals, including detailed takeoffs, labor analysis, and pricing.
• Oversee preparation and review of accurate and comprehensive estimates that align with classification systems and industry standards.
• Work as a working manager, contributing directly to estimates while maximizing chargeability and efficiency.
• Apply critical thinking and thorough review of team-generated estimates to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with client goals.

Client & Internal Collaboration

• Present estimates clearly and professionally to senior management, internal stakeholders, and clients.
• Maintain ongoing communication with client representatives and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment, transparency, and relationship growth.

Bid Strategy & Subcontractor Management

• Develop and implement competitive bid strategies, identify scope gaps, and evaluate value engineering opportunities.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor bids for alignment with project scope and cost objectives.

Technology & Industry Best Practices

• Stay current with the latest estimating software, digital tools, and industry best practices to continually enhance team performance and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5–10 years of experience estimating complex commercial projects; experience in MEP-intensive scopes and duct/piping insulation is highly desirable.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong expertise in Accubid, MIKE, Sage Estimating, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Bluebeam.
• Construction Knowledge: In-depth understanding of construction means and methods, labor markets, bid logistics, building codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Leadership Abilities: Proven experience leading high-performing teams, developing departmental systems, and mentoring staff.
• Communication Skills: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to present complex estimates to executives and clients with clarity and confidence.