Reports To:
Vice President of Pre-Construction
Location: Elkridge MD
The Opportunity
Synergi is seeking an experienced and driven Lead Estimator to play a critical hands-on role in our Growth. This position combines hands-on estimating responsibilities with leadership of the estimating function. The Lead Estimator will be responsible for developing accurate and competitive project estimates, managing estimating resources, establishing estimating standards and processes, and supporting strategic project selection decisions.
Working closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, project management, vendors, customers, and the commercial team. This role serves as a key function in converting opportunities into successful projects while ensuring risk is appropriately identified, understood, and managed.
The ideal candidate is both a strong technical estimator and an effective leader who enjoys mentoring others, building high-performing teams, and continuously improving how work gets done.
What You'll Do
Estimating Leadership
- Build a world-class team by developing, mentoring and acquiring great talent. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and commercial awareness.
- Work closely with our commercial team to develop and execute our bid strategy
- Establish priorities, workloads, and resource allocation across estimating activities for the team.
- Develop and implement estimating standards, tools, templates, and best practices.
- Review and validate estimates to ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness.
Pre-Construction & Commercial Responsibilities
- Work with the commercial group to develop bid strategies, conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and final project pricing.
- Review architectural drawings, specifications, and project requirements and prepare scopes of work, bid packages, and proposal documents.
- Work with our operations group to solicit, evaluate, and negotiate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
- Identify project risks, opportunities, assumptions, and value engineering options.
- Support contract reviews and commercial negotiations.
- Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to ensure successful project handoffs.
Business & Strategic Support
- Participate in project pursuit and opportunity selection decisions.
- Maintain and improve estimating databases, labor units, pricing tools, and cost benchmarks.
- Track estimating performance and estimate-to-actual project results.
- Support forecasting, backlog planning, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Drive process improvements across the pre-construction function.
What We're Looking For
Leadership & Professional Skills
- Proven Strong leadership and team development capabilities with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions.
- Analytical and detail-oriented with a proactive problem-solving approach.
- Commercially minded with sound business judgment.
Technical Skills
- Advanced knowledge of construction estimating practices and methodologies.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
- Ability to analyze labor productivity, material costs, manufacturing costs, and project risk.
- Experience developing conceptual, budgetary, and detailed estimates.
Experience
- 7+ years of estimating experience within construction, specific experience in specialty contracting, architectural metals, curtainwall, railing systems, or related construction trade or off-site fabrication industries.
- Prior experience leading estimating teams is a must.
- Demonstrated success managing complex bids and high-value projects.
Education & Certifications (Preferred)
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Construction Science, or related field.
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or similar industry certification is an asset.
- Expert understanding of Lean Construction Methodology greatly preferred
Success in This Role
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Leadership reflects Synergi's core values of Determination, Respect, Creativity, Energy, and Adaptability, while developing a high-performing estimating team.
- Consistent delivery of accurate, timely, and competitive estimates through strong scope development, bid strategy execution, and project risk management.
- Effective collaboration across engineering, operations, project management, vendors, commercial group, and customers to support successful project outcomes.
- A commitment to continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, data, and performance metrics that contribute to profitable growth and operational excellence.
Benefits & Perks
- Generous PTO & 9 Paid Holidays
- 100% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
- HSA with Company Contribution
- 401(k) with Generous Match
- Dental, Vision & Additional Buy-Up Plans
- Wellness Program
- Continuing Education Program
- Company-Provided Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Worldwide Travel Assistance Program
- Flexible Work Accommodations
- Pro Work-Life Balance Culture
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Company Celebrations, Holiday Parties & Team Events
- Complimentary Coffee, Tea & Snacks in Our Café
Work Environment
This role primarily operates in a professional office environment, with occasional visits to manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and active construction sites.
This role may require occasional travel to local and national job sites.
Physical Requirements
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, computer work, and occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds. Employees may occasionally walk through shops, warehouses, or construction environments with varying noise levels and conditions.
Ready to Build Something Great?
If you're looking for more than just another estimating position - and want to be part of a company building exciting projects with ambitious people - we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us build what's next.
