Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our growing construction team specializing in Federal Government and commercial construction projects. The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading all aspects of the estimating process, from initial bid review through proposal submission, ensuring competitive, accurate, and profitable estimates for a wide variety of construction projects.

This individual will collaborate closely with executive leadership, operations, project management, business development, and subcontractors to develop comprehensive cost estimates while supporting strategic growth initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of federal procurement, construction means and methods, and estimating best practices.

Essential Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Lead the preparation of detailed conceptual, budgetary, and hard bid estimates for federal government and commercial construction projects.
• Analyze solicitation documents, plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract requirements to develop complete project estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and cost analyses for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure competitive and complete proposals.
• Prepare comprehensive bid packages, pricing summaries, and estimate reviews for executive approval.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, value engineering options, and cost-saving strategies during preconstruction.
• Participate in bid strategy meetings and recommend pricing approaches based on market conditions and project complexity.
• Maintain historical cost databases and continuously improve estimating procedures and cost models.

Federal Government Contracting

• Interpret and estimate projects procured through federal agencies including USACE, NAVFAC, GSA, Department of Defense (DoD), VA, DHS, and other government entities.
• Review Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bid (IFBs), Design-Build solicitations, and Design-Bid-Build opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with federal acquisition requirements, Davis-Bacon wage determinations, Buy American provisions, bonding requirements, and other contractual obligations.
• Assist with proposal development, technical narratives, qualifications packages, and pricing submissions.

Collaboration & Project Transition

• Partner with Project Managers and Operations during project turnover to ensure accurate budget transfer and scope understanding.
• Support constructability reviews and preconstruction planning efforts.
• Work closely with Business Development to identify upcoming opportunities and develop competitive pursuit strategies.
• Participate in client meetings, pre-bid conferences, and site visits as required.

Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain estimating standards, templates, and best practices.
• Monitor market trends, labor availability, material pricing, and subcontractor performance.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant estimating experience will be considered.

Required Experience

• 8 years of progressive estimating experience with a General Contractor specializing in federal government and/or commercial construction.
• Demonstrated experience preparing detailed estimates for projects procured through Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, including Job Order Contracts (JOC), MATOC, SATOC, and other task order-based contract vehicles.
• Proven experience estimating Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and negotiated construction projects.
• Experience reviewing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Invitations for Bid (IFBs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and task order solicitations.
• Strong understanding of federal procurement requirements, including FAR, DFARS, Davis-Bacon Act, Buy American requirements, and agency-specific contract provisions.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and cost analysis for projects ranging from renovations to large-scale new construction.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent estimates while meeting aggressive proposal deadlines.
• Experience supporting federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), NAVFAC, GSA, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), DHS, or other federal agencies is highly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) certification preferred.
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a plus.
• Experience with cost estimating software such as Sage Estimating (Timberline), Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), RSMeans, BuildingConnected, Procore, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, scheduling, value engineering, and project cost controls.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and negotiation skills with the ability to collaborate across estimating, operations, and executive leadership teams.