Senior Estimator

About the role

The Estimating Team of Michael Kinder & Sons prepares detailed estimates and proposals for hard‑bid and negotiated projects ranging from $100 K to $100 MM. Projects span multiple industries—including universities, financial institutions, industrial facilities, and nonprofit organizations—and may involve conceptual, schematic, design‑development, and construction‑document estimates. Senior Estimators are expected to prioritize client satisfaction, educate owners on investment value, and uphold the firm’s core values of being Transformational, Exceptional, Accountable, Meaningful, and Safe.

Responsibilities

• Interpret designs, produce accurate hard numbers, and educate owners.
• Lead final review of contract documents, general requirements, and scope; identify risks, clarifications, assumptions, and exclusions prior to submission.
• Ensure compliance with procurement and contracting requirements.
• Prepare final estimates and bid submissions; assign scope packages and responsibilities to estimating team members.
• Review pricing, quantities, and scope coverage for accuracy and completeness.
• Compile, finalize, and submit project estimates and bid packages.
• Maintain professional communication with clients, architects, and trade partners; develop strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
• Support pre‑construction and business development efforts.
• Perform detailed digital quantity takeoffs and cost analysis; develop accurate budgets, GMPs, and hard‑bid estimates.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and existing conditions.
• Solicit and evaluate current material and equipment pricing; develop accurate self‑perform cost estimates and production rates.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and constructability improvements.
• Manage bid invitations and subcontractor solicitation efforts; evaluate scope coverage and level pricing across trade partners.
• Review pricing, qualifications, and value‑engineering opportunities.
• Mentor and support estimators and junior team members; lead internal estimate reviews and strategy discussions.
• Participate in client presentations and pre‑construction meetings.
• Analyze historical cost data to improve estimating accuracy; maintain estimating databases, assemblies, and cost libraries.
• Drive continuous improvement of departmental processes and SOPs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Construction Management or Civil Engineering program.
• Minimum 7 years of commercial construction experience.
• At least 4 years of experience using estimating software.
• At least 4 years of direct estimating experience.
• Excellent writing, organizational, and computer skills (MS Excel, MS Word).
• In‑depth knowledge of plans and specifications across various construction project types.

Benefits

• Medical benefits covering 90 % of employee premiums and 40 % of dependent premiums.
• Paid vacation and wellness time.
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) with 100 % match up to 4 % (immediately vested).
• Education reimbursement for employees.
• Business expenses and mileage reimbursement.
• Leadership and career growth opportunities.