Senior Estimator
TW Constructors (TWC)
Full Time
St. Louis, Mo.
The Role:
The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the preparation of estimates and proposals from initial review through final submission for field and prefabrication construction projects across multiple disciplines. This position will develop and present conceptual estimates, lump-sum bids, proposals, unit costs, and quantity takeoffs for a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.
The Senior Estimator will provide leadership throughout the estimating process, including bid strategy, scope development, subcontractor and vendor evaluation, risk analysis, value engineering, and estimate review. This position will collaborate with clients, procurement, operations, subcontractors, vendors, and internal project teams to ensure estimates are accurate, comprehensive, competitive, and aligned with project goals.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of conceptual, schematic, design-development, and construction-document estimates.
- Manage estimates and proposals from initial opportunity review through final bid submission and turnover to operations.
- Develop and present lump-sum bids, proposals, unit costs, quantity takeoffs, and pricing analyses.
- Establish bid strategies, estimating approaches, work plans, and submission requirements for assigned opportunities.
- Collaborate with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams to develop accurate project estimates and resolve scope or pricing issues.
- Interface with procurement, preconstruction, and operations teams to align estimates with project goals, schedules, and available resources.
- Review project scope, drawings, specifications, addenda, schedules, and commercial terms for completeness, clarity, and consistency.
- Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, trade overlaps, long-lead items, and cost or schedule risks.
- Develop comprehensive scopes of work, bid packages, inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, allowances, and proposal clarifications.
- Prepare detailed material, equipment, labor, subcontractor, indirect-cost, and general-conditions pricing.
- Solicit, review, level, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for scope coverage, pricing accuracy, qualifications, and RFP compliance.
- Lead scope-review meetings and support subcontractor and vendor selection recommendations.
- Conduct market, material, and labor studies to support pricing and procurement decisions.
- Develop summary schedules and evaluate project duration, staffing, indirect costs, fees, contingencies, escalation, and other cost factors.
- Identify and quantify project risks through detailed review of plans, specifications, schedules, and commercial requirements.
- Develop risk-mitigation strategies and communicate significant findings to leadership and project stakeholders.
- Lead value engineering, alternate pricing, cost-option analysis, and constructability-review efforts.
- Analyze historical cost and production data to improve estimating accuracy and reduce discrepancies between estimated and actual costs.
- Review completed projects and cost reports to evaluate estimate performance and identify areas for refinement.
- Track market conditions and cost trends and provide recommendations for estimating, procurement, and cost improvements.
- Maintain accurate documentation of estimate assumptions, qualifications, pricing sources, clarifications, and revisions.
- Ensure estimates comply with company standards, procedures, and approved estimating methodologies.
- Conduct internal estimate reviews and validate quantities, labor factors, pricing, scope coverage, and calculation accuracy.
- Prepare and deliver bid presentations to company leadership, clients, and other project stakeholders.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, client meetings, and proposal interviews.
- Support the transition of awarded projects from estimating to project management and operations.
- Assist project teams with budget validation, procurement, change-order pricing, and cost analysis as needed.
- Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, and industry partners.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to estimators and other junior team members.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of estimating tools, templates, historical databases, and procedures.
- Manage multiple estimates and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Seven or more years of direct construction estimating experience.
- Demonstrated experience independently leading complex estimates and proposals from initial review through final submission.
- Experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, lump-sum bids, unit-cost analyses, and quantity takeoffs.
- Strong understanding of estimating techniques, construction disciplines, labor productivity, material pricing, cost-control systems, and company procedures.
- Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, scopes of work, and commercial documents.
- Experience developing bid strategies, scope packages, estimate assumptions, exclusions, and proposal clarifications.
- Experience evaluating and leveling subcontractor and vendor proposals.
- Strong understanding of indirect costs, general conditions, fees, contingencies, escalation, and project risk.
- Experience conducting estimate reviews and presenting pricing recommendations to leadership or clients.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide technical guidance to less-experienced estimators.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience with Quote Soft, Accubid, Oracle, Power BI, or comparable estimating and reporting platforms is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with clients, operations teams, subcontractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
- Sound judgment, professional integrity, and the ability to make timely decisions.
- Ability to identify creative solutions to scope, pricing, constructability, and project-risk challenges.
Career Growth
• Take on challenging design/build projects in commercial and industrial construction.
• Opportunities for advancement through mentorship and hands-on learning.
Comprehensive Benefits
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) match
• Life insurance
• Additional benefits for employees and their families
Headquarters Perks
• In-office gym
• Personal training sessions
• Yoga classes
• Massage therapist
• Game room
Company Culture
• Collaborative, innovative, and people-centered
• Strong focus on safety, work-life balance, and professional development
• Team activities and wellness programs supporting both physical and mental health
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
