What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Cost Estimator position at WHSmith North America?
Join our Support Center and be a pivotal resource to our field and distribution teams —where innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and career growth come together in an exciting environment!
A well-established and rapidly growing retail company is seeking a detail-oriented and financially analytical professional with strong data analysis and presentation skills to join our team as a Construction Cost Estimator.
This role is responsible for analyzing historical cost data to develop benchmark models and generate accurate estimates for future projects. The Estimator will adjust for site-specific conditions by conducting pre-bid site visits, reviewing RFP documentation, and collaborating with local contractors. The goal is to ensure capital is allocated efficiently to deliver the full scope of project designs—balancing cost accuracy with financial prudence and avoiding overly conservative estimates that tie up excess funds.
The Construction Cost Estimator will work closely with Business Development, Creative Store Design, and the Operations New Store Openings team to ensure project pricing reflects the required scope and includes appropriate risk allowances, without overcommitting capital that could be deployed elsewhere.
Location: Support Center, 6600 S Bermuda Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Schedule: Monday – Friday, Weekends as needed, 40-50 hours per week
Pay: $85,000 - $120,000 salary
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits
- Employee Discount
- Employer-Paid Life Insurance
- Flex Time Off
- Disability Insurance
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- 401(k) with company match
Job Responsibilities
- Conduct site visits and review RFP documentation during the due diligence phase of new store and remodel projects.
- Draft summary briefs outlining effort and cost impacts for Creative Store Design to inform scope decisions.
- Provide benchmark cost-per-square-foot placeholder estimates to Finance for initial high-level P&L analysis.
- Collaborate with contractors to assess regional market conditions and identify local code requirements affecting cost.
- Develop detailed cost estimates aligned with concept designs and budget constraints.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through value engineering and scope optimization.
- Track design changes and associated cost impacts throughout the post-award review and approval process.
- Produce a pre-construction cost journey summary for the Project Manager at the start of procurement.
- Maintain detailed records of estimates and final commercial positions to support continuous improvement.
Job Requirements
- Experience with the construction industry or procurement.
- Familiarity with construction terminology and improvement work in multi unit properties.
- High IT literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word with a strong aptitude for data management and manipulation
- Experience estimating or cost management in construction or a related field.
- Experience working with general contractors or subcontractors.
- Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu.
- Willingness to embrace a culture of continuous improvement.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to travel up to 30% across North America, occasionally with short notice.
- Strong team orientation and results-driven mindset.
- Satisfactory criminal background check and drug testing may be required depending on location.
- Additional security clearance may be required depending on location.
About Us
WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with over 1,700 stores across 30 countries worldwide. WHSmith North America, incorporating Marshall Retail Group (MRG) and InMotion, represents over half of the Company’s international store estate, with a collection of attractive, successful specialty retail stores located in airports and resorts across North America.
EEO/ADA/DFWP
WHSmith North America is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin/ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, military/veteran status, marital status, disability status or any other basis prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Salary : $90,000 - $120,000