Estimator

Primary Purpose

This role is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial construction projects. This role analyzes drawings, specifications, proposals, schedules, and subcontractor/vendor pricing to develop complete project estimates that support successful bidding and project execution.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Estimating & Preconstruction
• Review drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to prepare detailed estimates and proposals.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure complete and competitive bid coverage.
• Analyze project scope and identify risks, exclusions, clarifications, and value engineering opportunities.
• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates.
• Develop accurate labor production assumptions and productivity forecasts.
• Absorb and communicate with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors regarding scope clarification and pricing.
• Support relationship-building efforts with clients and trade partners.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client walkthroughs as needed.
• Cook up bid packages, scopes of work, and proposal documentation.
• Carefully maintain organized estimating files, bid records, historical cost data, and pricing databases.
• Collaboration & Communication
• Work closely with Project Managers, Operations Leaders, and Field Teams to align estimates with execution strategies.
• Communicate with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors regarding scope clarification and pricing.
• Support relationship-building efforts with clients and trade partners.
• Process Improvement & Strategic Support
• Help improve estimating procedures, templates, and cost tracking systems.
• Maintain awareness of market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and subcontractor availability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on accuracy, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• Contribute to lessons learned reviews and historical cost analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of estimating experience in commercial construction, masonry, restoration, or related trades preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, and cost drivers.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with self-perform construction or specialty trade estimating.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected, Sage, or similar construction software platforms.
• Understanding of conceptual estimating and value engineering processes.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from small service work to large-scale commercial projects.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, and pre-bid walkthroughs.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites safely when required.