Construction Cost Estimator – Retail Construction

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for retail construction projects, including new builds, remodels, tenant improvements, and renovations
• Interpret drawings and specifications to assess scope and apply knowledge of materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor pricing
• Support benchmarking efforts by analyzing historical cost data and industry trends to inform future estimates and planning
• Develop and maintain cost databases and indexes to track pricing fluctuations and regional cost variations
• Maintain cost databases and analyze historical pricing data
• Monitor construction costs throughout the project lifecycle, providing regular updates and variance analysis to ensure adherence to budget
• Perform value engineering to help clients meet budget goals without compromising quality or functionality
• Develop accurate cost projections using conceptual modeling, historic pricing analysis, and detailed quantity takeoffs to support early-stage and pre-construction planning
• Build and maintain project cash flow forecasts, ensuring alignment with schedule milestones, procurement strategies, and financial controls
• Identify and drive process improvement opportunities within estimating workflows, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and cross-department collaboration
• Absorb and present findings to clients and senior management
• Forecast and manage cash flow requirements for retail construction projects
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure alignment between scope, design, and cost projections
• Attend project meetings and provide input on cost management, budget changes, and cost-saving opportunities
• Maintain detailed records of cost estimates, change orders, and project documentation for reference and auditing
• Identify and assess potential cost risks during pre-construction and construction phases, recommending mitigation strategies
• Stay current on industry trends, economic factors, and regulatory changes that may impact project costs or timelines

Qualifications

• Able to work on-site work at the client’s Cupertino location three days a week; Tuesday through Thursday
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in cost estimating within retail construction or related sectors (e.g., commercial, hospitality, institutional)
• Strong expertise in cost estimation, with the ability to develop detailed budgets and pricing models across all project phases
• Experience in benchmarking and cost tracking, including maintaining cost databases and analyzing historical pricing data
• Proficiency with cost estimating software (e.g., ProEst, Buildertrend, Procore, Bluebeam, or similar)
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify cost optimization opportunities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and present findings clearly