Job DescriptionAbout the RoleEquinox is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead cost planning, budgeting, benchmarking, and preconstruction activities for new club developments.
In this role, you will provide cost guidance throughout the project lifecycle, from early feasibility studies and initial design concepts through construction, bidding, and project completion. Working closely with Construction, Design, Real Estate, Finance, Procurement, and external partners, you will develop project budgets, prepare cost estimates, evaluate contractor pricing, identify potential cost risks, and recommend cost-saving opportunities.
The Senior Estimator plays a key role in helping teams make informed decisions that balance project goals, quality standards, member experience expectations, and financial objectives. The ideal candidate has experience estimating commercial interior construction projects and a strong understanding of design-focused environments such as hospitality, fitness, retail, or restaurant spaces.
What You'll Do Daily- Build Cost Models & Estimates: Develop thorough conceptual, schematic, and full construction-document cost estimates broken down by trade and division. Partner with Real Estate early on to build feasibility budgets for new locations.
- Own Preconstruction Planning: Spot cost exposures during site due diligence, flag constructability issues in architectural drawings, and evaluate alternative materials or systems early.
- Lead Bid Management: Prepare comprehensive bidding packages. Review contractor proposals, run rigorous bid-leveling analyses, and advise on final contract negotiations.
- Drive Smart Value Engineering: Proactively identify cost-reduction opportunities without sacrificing Equinox's architectural integrity, premium finishes, or long-term durability.
- Manage Financial Risk: Run cost-risk assessments at key milestones to insulate the business from unexpected inflation, site condition surprises, or long-lead delivery delays.
- Maintain Our Cost Database: Build out historical cost data tracking key metrics by region, club square-footage, and trade to continuously improve our future estimate accuracy.
- Audit Change Orders: Support field Project Managers by independently auditing contractor change-order proposals for scope accuracy and fair market pricing.
QualificationsWhat We're Looking ForMust-Haves:- 8+ years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience, with a heavy emphasis on high-end commercial interiors.
- Full-scope technical mastery: Expert knowledge of structural, architectural, MEP, low-voltage, and luxury specialty finishes.
- Advanced commercial fundamentals: Mastery of quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, material pricing trends, regional labor market conditions, and tough contract negotiations.
- Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills with no tolerance for calculation slip-ups.
- A Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a related field (or equivalent field-proven experience).
Preferred Experience:- Prior experience estimating luxury fitness, hospitality, high-end retail, or restaurant builds.
- Advanced proficiency with Excel and estimating software like Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, BuildingConnected, or Procore.
- Professional certification like a CPE (Certified Professional Estimator) or CCP (Certified Cost Professional).
Why Equinox?Ambitious design concepts only come to life when backed by disciplined, commercially sound financial decisions. As Senior Estimator, you will have a direct hand in shaping the financial strategy of a premium portfolio, ensuring we build iconic spaces that perform as well on the balance sheet as they do for our members.
Pay Transparency: Min 115k - Max 185k
Additional InformationAS A MEMBER OF THE EQUINOX TEAM YOU WILL RECEIVE: - We offer competitive salary, benefits, and industry leading commission opportunities for club employees
- Complimentary Club membership
- Perks and incentives with our products and services including Personal Training, Pilates, Spa and Shop
NOTE: This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.
