Lead Estimator - National GC|CM - NYC Headquartered - $155k - $185k + ESOP

About The Company

Our client is a nationally recognized CM and GC firm with a long-standing reputation delivering complex projects for some of the country's most recognizable brands and organizations. The firm operates as an employee-owned organization with an active ESOP, creating a genuine ownership mentality across its teams and fostering an environment where individuals are empowered to make an impact. With a strong emphasis on repeat business, long-term client relationships, and operational excellence, the firm has achieved sustained growth while maintaining an exceptional reputation for quality, communication, and execution. Employees benefit from exposure to landmark projects, a collaborative leadership team, clear opportunities for career progression, and a culture that prioritizes safety, development, innovation, and teamwork. Achieving revenues last year exceeding $600M, the firm has solidified its foothold as a national contractor with a solid foundation in place, an excellent reputation in the marketplace, and a leadership team committed to continued expansion and long-term success.

About The Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to join its growing Preconstruction team. This individual will play a key role in developing budgets, compiling estimates, evaluating subcontractor proposals, and supporting projects from early conceptual design through final pricing. The successful candidate will possess strong technical estimating experience, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed construction estimates for commercial projects.
• Perform comprehensive quantity take-offs across all major trades.
• Manage the bidding process from subcontractor outreach through final bid evaluation and recommendation.
• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, consultants, clients, and design professionals.
• Review subcontractor proposals and analyze scope coverage, qualifications, exclusions, and pricing.
• Collaborate with project management and operations teams to ensure alignment between budgets, schedules, and project objectives.
• Assist in creating bid packages, scope sheets, leveling comparisons, and procurement strategies.
• Participate in value engineering and cost-saving initiatives during the preconstruction process.
• Attend project meetings, site visits, subcontractor interviews, and pre-bid walkthroughs as required.
• Support project teams with budget updates, cost analysis, and procurement planning throughout the preconstruction phase.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of estimating experience within commercial construction with a successful track record delivering accurate budgets and competitive proposals.
• Experience estimating tenant improvement, renovation, retail, commercial, hospitality, or mixed-use projects.
• Strong understanding of hard bid, negotiated, GMP, and construction management delivery methods.
• Proven experience preparing complete estimates and subcontractor bid analyses.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project schedules.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and trade partner management.
• Familiarity with value engineering and cost-control strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience utilizing industry estimating and project management software is preferred.
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.

Benefits

• Annual performance bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Managed 401K with employer match
• Generous PTO package from day one