Senior Estimator [Commercial Construction]

About the role

The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the preparation, coordination, and delivery of accurate, competitive, and comprehensive construction estimates that support TEEL's financial objectives and commitment to quality. This position plays a key role throughout the preconstruction process, from initial project evaluation and conceptual budgeting through final bid submission and project handover. The Senior Estimator works collaboratively with the Preconstruction and Operations teams, Trade Partners, clients, and other project stakeholders to evaluate project requirements, identify risks, develop effective pricing strategies, and position TEEL for successful project execution. In addition to managing assigned estimates, this position serves as a resource and mentor to developing estimators, promotes consistency in estimating practices, and contributes to the continuous improvement of departmental processes.

Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Management

• Lead the estimating process for assigned projects, ensuring accurate, complete, competitive, and timely submissions.
• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and other project documents to develop comprehensive estimates.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs, conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, and final construction cost estimates.
• Identify project-specific requirements, including site conditions, logistics, scheduling constraints, material availability, and potential risks.
• Develop and validate General Conditions budgets, including project staffing, duration, temporary facilities, equipment, and other project-related expenses.
• Evaluate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs to ensure estimates reflect current market conditions and project requirements.
• Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, exclusions, and opportunities for value engineering throughout the estimating process.
• Manage multiple estimates simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting established bid deadlines.
• Prepare comprehensive bid summaries and present estimate recommendations to Preconstruction Leadership and other designated stakeholders for review and final pricing decisions.

Trade Partner & Supplier Coordination

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with qualified Trade Partners, vendors, and suppliers.
• Coordinate bid solicitations and ensure appropriate Trade Partner participation and coverage across required scopes of work.
• Review, analyze, and level subcontractor proposals to ensure scope completeness, pricing accuracy, and consistency with project requirements.
• Identify scope gaps, qualifications, exclusions, and potential risks associated with Trade Partner proposals.
• Communicate with Trade Partners to clarify project requirements, resolve bid questions, and obtain necessary pricing information.
• Evaluate Trade Partner capabilities, competitiveness, and past performance when developing bid recommendations.
• Support the continued development of a reliable and competitive Trade Partner network.

Preconstruction Planning & Collaboration

• Collaborate with Project Management, Field Operations, and Preconstruction Leadership to develop realistic project schedules, staffing assumptions, logistics plans, and construction strategies.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, design reviews, and preconstruction coordination meetings as required.
• Assist with conceptual budgeting, design development estimates, cost evaluations, and value engineering recommendations.
• Work with Operations to identify constructability concerns, project risks, and opportunities for improved efficiency.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure project estimates reflect realistic execution requirements and company expectations.
• Support client presentations, budget reviews, and preconstruction discussions as needed.

Project Handover & Operational Support

• Prepare and participate in formal estimating handover meetings with the Project Management and Field Operations teams.
• Clearly communicate estimate assumptions, exclusions, allowances, project risks, General Conditions budgets, and key Trade Partner considerations.
• Ensure estimating documentation is organized, complete, and accessible to the appropriate project team members.
• Support early procurement and subcontractor buyout activities by providing bid comparisons, pricing history, and scope clarifications.
• Provide estimating support throughout the project lifecycle when clarification or historical pricing information is required.
• Participate in project closeout reviews and lessons learned discussions to improve the accuracy of future estimates.

Leadership, Mentorship & Departmental Development

• Provide guidance, technical support, and mentorship to Assistant Estimators and Estimators.
• Assist with the delegation and coordination of estimating tasks on assigned pursuits, ensuring responsibilities and deadlines are clearly communicated.
• Review estimating work prepared by junior team members for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and effective communication within the Preconstruction team.
• Support the Director of Estimating in maintaining and improving estimating procedures, templates, tools, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of historical cost databases, unit pricing, and estimating benchmarks.
• Participate in post-bid evaluations to identify opportunities for improvement in pricing, strategy, and estimating accuracy.
• Demonstrate TEEL's Core Principles and uphold company policies, professional standards, and expectations.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, sequencing, and industry practices.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed construction estimates.
• Strong knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documentation.
• Ability to develop and evaluate General Conditions budgets, project schedules, and construction logistics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and familiarity with construction estimating software and bid management platforms, including BuildingConnected.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, Trade Partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, completeness, and quality.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support developing team members.
• Sound professional judgment and the ability to identify risks, recommend solutions, and make informed decisions within established authority.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Significant experience in commercial construction estimating, preferably within a general contracting environment.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing estimates for projects of varying sizes and complexity.
• Experience coordinating subcontractor pricing, performing bid leveling, and developing comprehensive project budgets.
• Prior experience mentoring junior estimating personnel preferred.
• Familiarity with preconstruction processes, construction scheduling, and project management practices.