Construction Estimator

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates across all project phases, including schematic design, design development, construction documents.
• Own the development and management of conceptual and parametric budgets for Residential projects, including comprehensive renovations, capital improvements, and new construction.
• Critically review construction drawings, specifications, and scopes of work to identify gaps, clarifications, risks, and value engineering opportunities — and drive resolution.
• Serve as the primary cost advisor to design teams during pre-construction, ensuring constructability and alignment between project budgets and design objectives.
• Lead design review meetings and provide authoritative cost guidance as project designs evolve.
• Own and continuously improve historical cost databases, unit pricing, and benchmarking tools, setting standards for estimating accuracy across the team.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate project risks early in the pre-construction process.
• Develop and oversee bid packages, scope sheets, and RFP documents for subcontractor and supplier solicitations.
• Lead the full bidding process — document distribution and outreaching, subcontractor screening and vetting, pre-bid meetings, proposal collection, bid leveling, and comparative analysis — with a focus on strategy and efficiency.
• Evaluate, qualify, and manage relationships with subcontractors and vendors; maintain and expand the approved vendor database.
• Lead subcontract negotiations, including pricing, scope alignment, and contract terms in coordination with project management and legal teams.
• Direct project buyout activities and procurement tracking to ensure timely subcontract awards and material purchases.
• Proactively identify long-lead items and develop procurement schedules that protect project timelines.
• Present and defend estimates, assumptions, cost analyses, and reconciliation summaries to internal stakeholders, ownership groups, and executive leadership.
• Lead the development of owner budgets, project pro formas, and cost validation efforts.
• Partner with project managers during the transition from pre-construction to construction, ensuring estimate assumptions and intent are carried forward effectively.
• Track post-award cost data, estimate performance, and market trends to continuously improve future estimating accuracy.
• Contribute to the development and standardization of estimating processes, templates, and tools across the team.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in construction estimating with deep expertise in pre-construction and procurement activities.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex, multi-phase estimates from concept through contract development.
• Proficiency with construction estimating and project management software such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected, ProjectSight, or similar platforms.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequencing across multiple trade disciplines, including concrete, MEP, finishes, and sitework.
• Expert ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Polished written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present and defend analyses to executive stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Project, and the broader Microsoft Office Suite, as well as AI-enabled estimating and productivity tools.
• Ability to travel up to 10–25% for project site visits, vendor meetings, and subcontractor coordination.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Significant experience with multifamily residential, affordable housing, mixed-use, or commercial development projects.
• 5+ years of experience in material procurement, direct vendor negotiation, and subcontract management.
• Experienced with HUD, LIHTC, and other publicly funded project requirements and cost constraints.
• LEED accreditation or strong knowledge of sustainable design and construction practices.
• Prior experience in owner-side or developer-side pre-construction, in addition to general contractor estimating.
• Experience managing or mentoring estimating teams or junior staff.