Senior Estimator - Preconstruction

Company: Coli Construction Department: Preconstruction Reports to: Preconstruction Manager Location: Mahwah, NJ (in-office) Employment type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: $125,000 - $160,000 (Salaried) + benefits
Position Summary

Coli Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to serve as the second-in-command within our preconstruction group. Reporting directly to the Preconstruction Manager, this person will take ownership of day-to-day estimating, trade buyout coordination, and subcontractor bid leveling across our project pipeline, with a particular focus on Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contracts.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can build accurate estimates from conceptual through final GMP, manage subcontractor relationships through the buyout process, and step in to run preconstruction efforts when the Preconstruction Manager is unavailable. The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating skills with the judgment and communication needed to drive cost certainty and protect project margins.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating

• Prepare detailed cost estimates at all design phases (conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents) using quantity takeoffs, historical cost data, Subcontractor bidding and current market pricing.
• Handle competitive bidding efforts, including organizing and maintaining incoming bid
  information, subcontractor bid solicitations, leveling, and selection, and creating
  internal bid summaries and written proposals
• Develop and maintain GMP estimates, including assumptions, clarifications, qualifications, allowances, and contingencies
• Identify scope gaps, constructability issues, and cost risks early, and recommend value engineering and cost-saving alternatives.
• Track and update unit cost databases to keep estimating data current and reliable.

Trade Buyouts & Leveling

• Manage the trade buyout process from estimate handoff through subcontract award, ensuring bought-out values align with the established GMP.
• Develop and distribute bid packages, scopes of work, and invitations to bid to qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Solicit, track, and follow up on subcontractor and vendor pricing to ensure adequate, competitive coverage on every trade.
• Perform detailed bid leveling and scope analysis to ensure all subcontractor proposals
  are evaluated on an apples-to-apples basis.
• Identify scope gaps, duplications, exclusions, and inclusions across competing bids and
  adjust pricing accordingly.
• Negotiate pricing and scope with subcontractors to achieve best value while maintaining schedule and quality requirements.
• Verify subcontractor qualifications, capacity, bonding, and references in coordination
  with the project team.
• Prepare buyout logs and reconcile awarded values against estimated values, reporting variances to the Preconstruction Manager.
• Recommend subcontractor selections based on price, scope coverage, qualifications,
  and overall value.

GMP Contract Support

• Support development of the GMP package, including estimate, qualifications, assumptions, allowances, alternates, and contingency structure.
• Coordinate with owners, architects, and the project team during GMP development to clarify scope and resolve open items.
• Help establish and document the basis of the GMP, ensuring all parties have a clear, shared understanding of what is and is not included.
• Assist in the transition from preconstruction to operations, transferring estimate detail, buyout status, and key assumptions to the project management team.

Coordination & Leadership

• Act as second-in-command to the Preconstruction Manager, assuming responsibility for preconstruction deliverables in their absence.
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, design teams, and ownership to align cost, scope, and schedule.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior estimators and preconstruction staff.
• Maintain organized estimate files, buyout logs, and documentation in accordance with company standards.

Required Qualifications

• [5+] years of progressive estimating and/or preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor or construction manager.
• Demonstrated experience estimating and supporting GMP / CM-at-Risk contracts.
• Proven ability to perform quantity takeoffs and prepare detailed, accurate estimates across multiple trades.
• Hands-on experience with trade buyouts and subcontractor bid leveling.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, sequencing, and building systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with estimating, bid management, and takeoff software (ProEst, BuildingConnected, and Bluebeam a plus) and Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Experience across multiple market sectors [e.g., commercial, healthcare, education, multifamily, industrial].
• Familiarity with BIM/model-based estimating.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CPE, LEED, OSHA 10).

Competencies

Cost certainty and attention to detail • scope analysis and risk identification • subcontractor relationship management • negotiation • time management across multiple concurrent pursuits • clear written and verbal communication • collaborative, team-oriented leadership.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Primarily office-based with periodic visits and occasional to project sites, subcontractor offices, and owner/design meetings may be required. Must be able to navigate active construction sites in accordance with safety requirements.
Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $125,000 - $160,000, salaried position
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Company cell phone or Allowance
• Fuel and vehicle allowance