Lead Estimator / Preconstruction Manager - Multifamily ConstructionRISE Residential | Owner / Developer / General Contractor
Jacksonville, FL | Travel up to 25%
What This Role Actually IsThis is not a bid-chasing estimator position.
The Lead Estimator serves as the central cost authority inside a vertically integrated owner/developer/GC platform - operating alongside development, acquisitions, and construction leadership to protect the financial integrity of projects before they are built and throughout execution.
You will own cost across the full project lifecycle:
- Conceptual underwriting and feasibility
- Design phase cost management
- GMP / hard-bid estimating
- Subcontractor procurement and bid leveling
- Buyout reconciliation and cost analysis
Your decisions directly impact ROI, project viability, and long-term asset performance - not simply contract margin.
Core ResponsibilitiesPreconstruction & Feasibility- Develop conceptual and underwriting-level estimates used to evaluate acquisitions and new development opportunities
- Validate pro forma assumptions with development and acquisitions teams
- Translate conceptual plans into accurate unit-based and GSF cost models tied to real-time market conditions
- Identify escalation exposure, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and budget risk early in the process
Design Phase Cost Management- Provide continuous cost guidance throughout schematic design, DD, and construction documents phases
- Partner directly with architects, engineers, and internal stakeholders to maintain alignment between design intent and financial targets
- Lead value engineering efforts with clear understanding of cost, schedule, operational, and quality impacts
- Maintain live cost-to-complete visibility throughout design development
Procurement & Bid Strategy- Structure bid packages that drive competition while eliminating scope ambiguity
- Lead subcontractor outreach, bid leveling, scope analysis, and award recommendations
- Build and maintain subcontractor relationships capable of supporting long-term pipeline execution
- Maintain cost databases and benchmarking systems that inform portfolio-wide decisions
Post-Award Accountability- Reconcile estimate assumptions against actual buyout outcomes
- Support project management teams during buyout and early construction phases
- Capture lessons learned and feed cost intelligence back into future developments
What We're Looking For- 8+ years of estimating experience with minimum 5 years operating as Lead Estimator on multifamily or mixed-use projects
- Proven experience owning estimates from conceptual feasibility through GMP formation and buyout reconciliation
- Strong understanding of multiple construction types including wood-frame, podium, concrete, and structural steel systems
- Advanced takeoff, quantity analysis, and Excel-based financial modeling capability
- Proven subcontractor relationships and bid management experience across multiple CSI divisions
- Ability to build defensible estimates from incomplete or conceptual design information
- Comfortable operating in environments where cost decisions directly affect ownership returns and investment strategy
- Experience within vertically integrated owner/developer/GC organizations strongly preferred
What Separates This RoleMost estimators price someone else's project.
This role operates at the deal table - influencing design direction, procurement strategy, construction execution, and long-term asset value from the earliest stages of development.
You are not downstream from the process.
You are part of the decision-making structure that shapes the project itself.
Compensation & BenefitsWe offer a compensation structure aligned with performance and accountability:
- Base Salary: $120K - $150K DOE
- Performance Bonus tied to estimating accuracy and project outcomes
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) participation
Details are discussed directly with qualified candidates.
Final NoteThis role is not designed for estimators who simply assemble numbers from completed drawings.
It is for professionals capable of influencing financial outcomes, protecting investment strategy, and operating with ownership mentality throughout the development lifecycle.
If that describes you, we want to hear from you.
Pay Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year
