Estimator

Estimator

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates for construction projects. This role reviews project documents, develops budgets and pricing, evaluates subcontractor and supplier proposals, and works closely with project teams, clients, and design professionals throughout the preconstruction process. The Estimator plays a key role in helping secure new work while ensuring a smooth transition from preconstruction to project operations.

Primary Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare conceptual, preliminary, detailed, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates.
• Review plans, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and contingency estimates.
• Assist in developing project budgets, Guaranteed Maximum Prices (GMPs), and conceptual cost models.
• Perform constructability reviews, value engineering, and cost-saving analyses.
• Ensure estimates are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.

Bid Management & Procurement

• Prepare bid packages and subcontractor scope sheets.
• Solicit bids from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Review proposals for scope, pricing, completeness, and accuracy.
• Interview subcontractors and vendors to evaluate qualifications when needed.
• Assist in developing competitive pricing strategies.
• Coordinate bid documentation and support proposal preparation.

Cost Analysis & Risk Management

• Identify project risks, opportunities, and cost impacts.
• Analyze labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and market costs.
• Utilize historical cost data to improve estimate accuracy.
• Recommend value engineering and cost-saving opportunities.

Collaboration & Business Development

• Work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, architects, engineers, consultants, clients, and operations teams.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project interviews.
• Support project turnover by providing complete estimating documentation.
• Assist with marketing, proposal development, and business development efforts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals.

Process Improvement

• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost information, subcontractor lists, and pricing resources.
• Help implement and optimize estimating software and reporting tools.
• Track estimating performance metrics, bid success rates, and estimate accuracy.
• Promote continuous improvement of estimating processes and workflows.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or similar certification preferred.

Experience

• 5–10 years of progressive construction estimating experience.
• Experience estimating commercial, healthcare, education, institutional, retail, industrial, federal, or infrastructure projects preferred.
• Design-build and negotiated project experience preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and project delivery systems.
• Expertise in quantity takeoffs, budgeting, GMP development, conceptual estimating, and cost analysis.
• Experience with value engineering and subcontractor procurement.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, HCSS, ProEst, Microsoft Excel, or similar platforms.
• Strong communication, negotiation, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with periodic travel to project sites and client meetings.
• Occasional exposure to active construction sites, including varying weather conditions, noise, dust, and construction equipment.
• Extended hours may occasionally be required during peak bidding periods.