Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator

Yates is proud to be an industry leader in construction and engineering services. To remain a top-tier organization, we are committed to hiring individuals who prioritize safety, demonstrate integrity in all aspects of their work, bring passion to their craft, and consistently deliver value to our clients. We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our team and play a key role in securing and shaping major commercial construction projects.

Overview

The Senior Estimator will lead the preparation of accurate, detailed, and competitive proposals and bids for commercial construction projects. This role requires advanced technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to evaluate complex scopes, collaborate with internal teams, and engage with subcontractors and clients. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of construction disciplines, strong analytical skills, and experience supporting large-scale pursuits.

Skills & Experience

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of the estimating process, including:

• Leading the preparation of detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Reviewing and interpreting proposals, blueprints, specifications, and other bid documents.
• Identifying and calculating labor, material, equipment, and time requirements.
• Providing guidance and mentorship to junior estimators and supporting team development.
• Collaborating with project management, operations, and preconstruction teams to ensure alignment on scope and pricing strategies.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills; highly detail-oriented.
• Advanced working knowledge of estimating software such as Cost-OS, OST, and PlanSwift.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Excel, and Word.
• Broad understanding of construction disciplines; civil estimating experience preferred.
• 7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience with public, private, or federal projects.
• B.S. in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Proven ability to lead estimates for mid- to large-scale projects.

Essential Job Duties

• Attend project site visits and pre-bid meetings to evaluate site conditions and scope.
• Review plans, specifications, and design documents to develop accurate quantity takeoffs.
• Lead the estimating team in developing complete and competitive estimates and pricing strategies.
• Coordinate subcontractor outreach, scope reviews, and bid leveling.
• Develop preliminary project schedules and assist in constructability reviews.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities and project risks.
• Prepare and present estimate summaries to leadership and clients.

Key Markets

• Data centers • High-rise structures (hotels, apartments, office) • Retail • Industrial manufacturing • Federal & military construction • Gaming and entertainment • Hospitality

Physical Demands/Essential Job Functions:

This job description reflects an assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Physical requirements for this role may include but not limited to walking, standing, operating tools / equipment, and lifting items (up to 25lbs). Tasks may also be carried out in varying weather conditions and environments as applicable to the position.

About Yates Construction

Ranked among the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the country by Engineering News-Record, Yates Construction is family-owned and provides a wide range of construction and building services. Incorporated in 1964 by William G. Yates Jr., we have steadily grown to become one of the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the nation. We are financially sound with a significant bonding capacity as well as vast personnel and equipment resources.

Our portfolio includes commercial and industrial projects from various sectors including arts and culture, civil, commercial, education, entertainment and gaming, federal, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, municipal, retail, and technology. We work hard to understand our client's business needs and continually look for opportunities to provide additional value to our clients and their projects.

Our client relationships are the foundation of our success, and our primary goal is to help each of our clients achieve their vision. We do this by carefully managing the details and complexities of each project and communicating constantly with all team members.

Yates Construction provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal and state law requirements.

Yates complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.