Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

The Estimator supports the preconstruction process by preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates, coordinating bid administration activities, developing subcontractor and vendor relationships, analyzing project documents, and facilitating successful project turnover to Operations. This position works closely with the Director of Preconstruction, Project Management, subcontractors, vendors, owners, architects, and consultants to ensure estimates are complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements. The Estimator plays a critical role in identifying project risks, developing value-driven solutions, and supporting successful project pursuits from initial bid solicitation through project award and turnover.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Bid Administration

• Review bidding opportunities and assist in evaluating project requirements.
• Prepare and maintain bid schedules, plan distribution records, and estimating documentation.
• Solicit bids from subcontractors and vendors to ensure appropriate trade coverage and competitive pricing.
• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and material estimates from drawings and specifications.
• Analyze plans, specifications, and other project documents to develop accurate cost estimates.
• Prepare and distribute subcontractor bid packages.
• Communicate project requirements, clarifications, addenda, and bid updates to subcontractors and vendors.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotations for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with project requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve pricing, reduce risk, and increase competitiveness.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and enter relevant information into estimating software and company systems.
• Ensure estimates and bid submissions are completed accurately and submitted by established deadlines.

Project Knowledge and Estimating

• Review bid requirements thoroughly and identify scope gaps, conflicts, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop requests for information (RFIs), clarifications, and scope questions to support accurate pricing.
• Assist in developing comprehensive scopes of work for assigned trades.
• Perform bid-day analysis, subcontractor leveling, and scope comparison activities.
• Evaluate subcontractor qualifications and align trade partners with project size, complexity, and requirements.
• Create and maintain subcontractor bid lists appropriate to project scope and market conditions.
• Analyze estimate assumptions, exclusions, and qualifications to minimize project risk.
• Identify and develop value engineering opportunities that support project goals and client objectives.
• Collaborate with preconstruction team members to validate pricing strategies and project assumptions.
• Participate in estimate reviews and presentations as required.

Project Turnover

• Facilitate timely and organized turnover of awarded projects to Project Management and Operations teams.
• Transfer estimating files, bid documents, subcontractor proposals, budgets, and supporting documentation.
• Participate in turnover meetings and review project scope, risks, assumptions, clarifications, and outstanding items.
• Review project drawings, specifications, and budget information with Project Management personnel.
• Identify outstanding subcontractor and vendor awards, scope gaps, or pricing assumptions requiring further action.
• Complete project kickoff and turnover documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Support Project Management during project startup as needed.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain organized project files and estimating documentation.
• Stay informed regarding market conditions, material pricing trends, subcontractor availability, and industry developments.
• Promote positive relationships with clients, design professionals, subcontractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the preconstruction process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of estimating, preconstruction, project management, field supervision, or related construction experience preferred.
• Experience preparing quantity takeoffs, conceptual estimates, budgets, and competitive bids preferred.
• Experience reviewing construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents preferred.
• Commercial construction experience strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, certifications, and relevant experience may be considered.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

• Ability to prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates with varying levels of design information.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, means, and sequencing.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to effectively interact with clients, owners, architects, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Proficiency with estimating software and construction technology platforms.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding pricing, company information, and strategic pursuits.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
• Regular use of computers, estimating software, and standard office equipment is required.
• Occasional visits to active construction sites may be required to support estimating, preconstruction, project turnover, or client meetings.
• Work may involve managing multiple deadlines and responding to time-sensitive bid requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication methods.
• Ability to review detailed drawings, specifications, spreadsheets, and technical documents.
• Ability to occasionally walk active construction sites and navigate uneven terrain when conducting site visits.
• Ability to lift and carry plans, specifications, and office materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional local travel may be required for pre-bid meetings, site visits, project walkthroughs, client meetings, training, and project turnover activities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain an acceptable driving record may be required.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as business needs dictate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and safely, with or without reasonable accommodation. Nothing in this job description is intended to create a contract of employment, express or implied, or to alter the at-will employment relationship where applicable by law. The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to any protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.