About the RoleThe Senior Estimator plays a critical role in leading preconstruction and estimating efforts across a variety of commercial construction projects including healthcare, education, multifamily, industrial, and special projects work. This position is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates, driving pursuit strategy, and supporting project teams from conceptual budgeting through final bid and contract execution. The Senior Estimator partners closely with Operations, Business Development, subcontractors, and Executive Leadership to ensure projects are positioned for success from concept through completion. This role also provides leadership and mentorship within the Preconstruction team while helping drive consistency, accuracy, and continuous improvement throughout the estimating process. Ultimately, the Senior Estimator helps secure and deliver successful projects that align with client expectations, company standards, and long-term business goals.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction within commercial construction.
- Proven experience leading estimates from conceptual budgeting through GMP and final bid submission.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor productivity, and cost controls.
- Experience working with subcontractors, vendors, and project teams across multiple project types.
- Ability to analyze drawings, specifications, and project documentation to develop complete and accurate estimates.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience estimating healthcare, education, multifamily, industrial, or special projects work.
- Proficiency with estimating and construction management software platforms.
- Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, negotiated work, and value engineering.
- Established subcontractor relationships and strong market knowledge.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to present estimating strategies, cost analyses, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities- Lead estimating efforts from early conceptual budgeting through GMP and final bid submission.
- Review drawings, specifications, and project scope to develop detailed and accurate cost estimates.
- Perform and/or oversee quantity takeoffs, pricing, bid leveling, and subcontractor analysis.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to ensure competitive pricing and market coverage.
- Collaborate with Operations teams to align estimates with construction means, methods, sequencing, and labor productivity.
- Lead value engineering efforts and provide cost-saving recommendations and system alternatives.
- Reconcile estimates with owners, architects, consultants, and project teams throughout the preconstruction process.
- Monitor market trends, subcontractor availability, escalation impacts, and historical cost data to improve estimating accuracy.
- Support Business Development and pursuit efforts through presentations, client engagement, and preconstruction strategy discussions.
- Mentor and support Estimators and Assistant Estimators within the department.
- Ensure estimating deliverables are completed accurately, efficiently, and within project timelines.
