Senior Pre-Construction Estimator

About the Role

The Senior Pre-Construction Estimator will play a key role in developing project budgets, detailed estimates, subcontractor bid packages, and proposals. This is a hands-on position for someone who can review evolving project information, identify missing scope, organize subcontractor pricing, and turn plans and specifications into a clear and defensible construction proposal. This position will work closely with company Production leadership, sales, project management, field operations, design professionals, subcontractors, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, detailed estimates, and proposals for various residential projects.
• Review architectural plans, engineering documents, specifications, finish schedules, design materials, and other project information.
• Identify incomplete information, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and potential pricing risks.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop detailed cost calculations.
• Create clear and comprehensive subcontractor bid packages by trade and scope of work.
• Prepare bid instructions, scope sheets, alternates, allowances, and proposal requirements.
• Solicit bids from qualified subcontractors and vendors.
• Manage bidder communication, answer scope-related questions, and follow up to maintain participation.
• Review and level subcontractor proposals to identify exclusions, overlaps, inconsistencies, and missing scope.
• Compare pricing and provide clear recommendations to company leadership.
• Develop project allowances and alternates when final selections or design information are not yet available.
• Assist with value engineering and budget-alignment exercises.
• Coordinate with architects, designers, engineers, and consultants to resolve pricing and scope questions.
• Work with the sales and leadership teams to prepare polished, accurate, and professional client proposals.
• Revise budgets and proposals as project scope, selections, and design documents evolve.
• Maintain historical cost data, subcontractor pricing, estimating templates, and scope libraries.
• Support the transition of awarded projects from pre-construction into project management and field operations.
• Participate in project reviews, site walks, subcontractor meetings, and internal handoff meetings.
• Maintain organized and complete estimating records within company systems.

What Success Looks Like

• Bid packages are clear and complete.
• Subcontractor participation is strong.
• Pricing is carefully reviewed and properly leveled.
• Scope gaps are identified before construction.
• Proposals accurately communicate what is included and excluded.
• Budgets are updated as project information evolves.
• Project handoffs are organized and complete.
• Leadership has confidence in the information being presented.
• Estimating systems become stronger and more consistent over time.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in construction estimating, pre-construction, or project management.
• Experience with custom residential construction, luxury residential construction, or major renovation projects is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods, sequencing, materials, and trade scopes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing documents.
• Experience developing subcontractor bid packages and managing competitive bidding.
• Ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
• Strong understanding of bid leveling, allowances, alternates, exclusions, and scope reconciliation.
• Ability to identify missing information and ask the right questions before pricing is finalized.
• Strong written communication and proposal-development skills.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and changing priorities.
• Comfortable working with incomplete or evolving design information.
• Strong judgment and the ability to communicate pricing risks clearly.
• Professional and confident when communicating with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and design professionals.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also taking ownership of assigned estimates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of relevant construction estimating or pre-construction experience.
• Experience with high-end residential construction projects in the Scottsdale or greater Phoenix market.
• Existing relationships with qualified Arizona subcontractors and vendors.
• Experience with construction-management and estimating software.
• Experience with digital takeoff and estimating platforms.
• Experience presenting budgets, pricing, and value-engineering recommendations to clients or company leadership.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) program
• Paid time off
• Company-provided technology
• Professional development and growth opportunities