DescriptionRice Companies is looking for a
Senior Estimator to join the team at our
Sauk Rapids, MN headquarters. The Preconstruction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates throughout the preconstruction process. This role partners closely with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams to develop budgets, analyze project costs, identify risks, and support successful project execution from concept through turnover. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, proactive, and capable of balancing analytical thinking with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Duties and Responsibilities:Estimating & Cost Analysis
- Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and final estimates for commercial construction projects.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis using drawings, specifications, and other project documents.
- Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and supplier bids.
- Develop detailed scopes of work and bid packages.
- Analyze labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
- Maintain accurate historical cost databases and estimating records.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering solutions.
Preconstruction Support
- Participate in project planning, budgeting, and scheduling discussions.
- Collaborate with operations, project management, and field teams during project handoff.
- Assist with constructability reviews and risk assessments.
- Support development of preliminary schedules and phasing plans.
- Review contract documents and identify scope gaps or inconsistencies.
Client & Team Collaboration
- Build strong working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
- Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and proposal presentations.
- Communicate estimate assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, and risks clearly.
- Support business development efforts by assisting with proposals and presentations.
Process Improvement
- Continuously improve estimating procedures, templates, and tracking systems.
- Stay informed on market trends, pricing fluctuations, and industry best practices.
- Assist in developing and mentoring junior estimating staff when applicable.
Qualifications:Qualifications include, but are not limited to:
- 5+ years of relevant experience in a similar sized General Contractor, ideally within a design/ build commercial construction environment. (drafting, material take offs, measuring/calculating square footage, reading blueprints, etc.)
- Experience with Sage/ Timberline estimating, On-Screen takeoff tools and/ or other industry standard estimating software preferred.
- Must be able to handle multiple projects concurrently and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Must be proactive and skilled in detailed follow-up.
- Flexibility to effectively deal with changing priorities and timelines through analytical problem-solving.
- A desire for continuous improvement and close collaboration
- Outstanding interpersonal skills coupled with strong written and oral communication skills are desired. An ability to interact with Clients on a professional and representative manner is a must.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with negotiated work, conceptual estimating, and GMP development.
- Knowledge of local subcontractor and supplier markets.
- Familiarity with BIM/VDC coordination and constructability review processes.
- Experience in sectors such as office, industrial, warehouse, tenant improvement, or design/build commercial projects.
Core Competencies
- Attention to Detail
- Financial & Business Acumen
- Communication & Collaboration
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Customer Focus
- Initiative & Accountability
- Problem Solving
What Success Looks Like
- Delivers accurate and timely estimates.
- Builds trust with clients and project teams.
- Identifies project risks early and proposes solutions.
- Supports profitable, well-planned project execution.
- Contributes to a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
Benefits:With competitive pay, family-forward benefits and a little fun mixed in, Rice Companies works to build a team that's second to none.
- Medical and Dental Insurance (Select Employee Only Premiums are 100% Company Paid)
- Life Insurance
- 401K w/Employer Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Career Training and Development
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $80,000 - $115,000 depending on experience. 
