Senior Estimator

About the Role

The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects from conceptual budgeting through final proposal. This role develops accurate and competitive cost estimates by evaluating project documents, identifying project risks and opportunities, soliciting and analyzing subcontractor and supplier pricing, and collaborating with internal teams and clients throughout the preconstruction process. The Senior Estimator serves as a strategic leader within the estimating department by mentoring team members, supporting business development efforts, and helping position Berg as a preferred General Contractor through exceptional client service, accurate budgeting, and innovative preconstruction solutions. The ideal candidate has extensive experience estimating commercial construction projects for a General Contractor and possesses a thorough understanding of all major building trades, construction means and methods, scheduling, procurement, and project execution.

Essential Functions

Preconstruction/Estimating

• Lead the estimating effort on conceptual, schematic, design development, and hard bid projects.
• Review weekly bid opportunities and collaborate with leadership to prioritize projects that align with Berg's strategic goals, client relationships, and available resources.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, schedules, and other project documentation to develop comprehensive project budgets.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and complete estimates covering all building systems and trades.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure complete project coverage and best value.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and project risks while developing appropriate pricing strategies.
• Perform constructability reviews and recommend alternative materials, systems, sequencing, or value engineering opportunities.
• Develop conceptual budgets, cost models, GMPs, lump sum proposals, negotiated budgets, and change order pricing.
• Participate in design-assist and design-build preconstruction efforts by collaborating with owners, architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Coordinate estimate reviews with executive leadership and support margin recommendations based on project risk, market conditions, and competitive analysis.
• Ensure proposals are complete, accurate, and submitted in accordance with client requirements and company standards.
• Support project turnover by communicating estimating assumptions, scope, subcontractor commitments, and project risks to Operations.

Estimating Team Development

• Actively coach, develop, share knowledge, and mentor project team members to build capability, morale, and provide growth opportunities within Berg.
• Assist in developing estimating standards and resources.
• Establish team roles and responsibilities related to owned project portfolio, create accountability, and foster a positive working environment.

Sales

• Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and industry networking opportunities.
• Continue the development of existing client base, strengthening long-term relationships and development of opportunities for optimum margin of sales through partnering and negotiated services.
• Maintain and develop long-term client relationships.

Strategic Vision

• Participates in the development and execution of Berg's strategic and business plan including achievement of key objectives.
• Establish and develops relationships with employees, including the company management team, as well as external partners and stakeholders.
• Support and continuous improvement of Berg's high-performance culture.
• Provide visionary leadership for new ideas and approaches and humbly welcomes ideas to innovate and better Berg from all levels of the organization.

Leadership

• Develop trust and maintain a collaborative and supportive leadership presence with your Project Management team.
• Participate in and support recruitment, hiring, onboarding efforts as appropriate to develop an exceptional regional team.
• Foster a collaborative culture that enhances employee satisfaction, engagement, and results-orientation while encouraging innovation and creativity.
• Provide time for regular and effective 1 on 1 meetings with all direct reports. Coach, mentor, and collaborate with direct reports regularly.
• Establishes and achieves specific, measurable, and obtainable objectives that support Berg's overall growth and profitability objectives while creating client, employee, and company success.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A high degree of financial acumen
• Proven ability to communicate openly and have important conversations with internal and external clients
• Strong organizational skills; attention to detail
• Basic presentation skills to represent information and updates in a group setting
• Ability to read and comprehend complex construction documents i.e., blueprints
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Strong work ethic
• Problem-solving mindset
• Technology savvy
• Strong computer skills; proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, and MS Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered.
• 5-10 years of related experience with a commercial General Contractor
• Base knowledge of document editing software i.e., BlueBeam, Adobe Acrobat, Plan Grid, Plexxis
• Experience with conceptual estimating, negotiated work, GMP development, design-build, and hard bid procurement.
• Strong understanding of commercial building systems, including structural, architectural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and specialty trades.
• Demonstrated experience estimating ground-up commercial construction projects across multiple market sectors.