Preconstruction Estimator

About the role

You will lead technical preconstruction estimating efforts that guide early project decisions and cost certainty. You’ll own quantity take-offs, subcontractor analysis, and budget creation, ensuring internal alignment and constructability.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for accurate cost estimates.
• Build and maintain cost databases using historical $/SF benchmarks, labor rates, and vendor pricing.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals and ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, and risk.
• Prepare and present conceptual estimates and budgets for internal planning and client use.
• Support schematic and design development phases by advising teams on cost alignment.
• Lead internal estimating meetings to review assumptions, validate inputs, and assess risk.
• Identify and recommend value engineering options to improve cost-efficiency and constructability.
• Maintain detailed records of estimates, bid clarifications, subcontractor quotes, and cost decisions.
• Serve as the cost estimating lead for mid-sized projects, supporting Project Managers and Design Leads.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in construction estimating, with a focus on commercial or mid-sized projects.
• Demonstrated success managing cost estimates independently from schematic through bid.
• Strong ability to interpret construction documents and specifications with precision.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and Word; experience with Bluebeam and Procore preferred.
• Knowledge of subcontractor markets, scope writing, and proposal evaluation.
• OSHA-10, OSHA-30, or Residential Builders License are a plus.

Skills

• Detail-oriented estimating skills.
• Data accuracy and value engineering expertise.
• Ability to interpret construction documents and specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience with Bluebeam and Procore.

Benefits

• Company-provided training and education.
• Equitable recruitment and diverse workforce initiatives.
• Grassroots employee DEI committee.
• Robust community partnerships.

Pay

Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule with flexible hours.

Transforming Spaces. Empowering People.

The talented professionals of Progressive Companies are designers of a bold new future, creating high-performance structures and pathways, delivering on today’s needs and preparing for what’s to come. We live by the idea that design isn’t simply about beauty, it’s about improving strategic outcomes—what we call Performance Based Design. Our work spans across the nation, allowing team members to work on a variety of exciting projects and maximize impact as trusted partners to our clients and communities.

Sustainable and Inclusive

We are dedicated to human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive design practices. We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to building trust, respect, and truly innovative design making spaces welcoming and accessible to all. Our sustainability approach embraces the AIA 2030 Commitment, together with a range of high performance, restorative, and regenerative strategies with a focus on climate responsive results to maximize positive impact in our industry.

Employee Owned

The firm is continually ranked as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation®, with comprehensive benefits including an award-winning wellness program, hybrid work schedule, summer hours, profit-sharing, and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

Culture of Excellence

We take our work seriously, but have fun along the way, which fuels the creative spirit and supports a focus on work and life integration. Progressive Companies is committed to development and growth of team members through continuing education, mentorship, growth opportunities, and more. We are dedicated to giving back to our communities, with paid service-learning hours available to every employee and corporate sponsorship for a wide range of community organizations and activities.