Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: General Contractor (GC) Estimator
Company: John Keno & Company, Inc.
Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area
Employment Type: Full-Time

About John Keno & Company

John Keno & Company is a leading excavation, earthwork, and general contracting firm serving the Chicagoland area. We are committed to delivering high-quality projects through teamwork, innovation, safety, and integrity. Our employees are the foundation of our success, and we strive to create an environment where individuals can grow professionally while contributing to meaningful and challenging projects.

Position Summary

John Keno & Company is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented GC Estimator to join our team. The GC Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive project estimates, analyzing construction documents, soliciting subcontractor and supplier pricing, and supporting preconstruction efforts from bid solicitation through project turnover.

This position is ideal for candidates with at least 5 years of estimating or related construction experience who possess strong analytical skills, construction knowledge, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.

Essential Job Functions:

• Project procurement, including project selection based on company mission.
• Review and approval of all "pre-contract" proposals.
• Develop and maintain estimating schedule with Executive VP
• Quantity estimating and estimate building
• Subcontractor and supplier solicitation
• Scope writing and Contract Review 
• Update of management on status of estimating schedule to Executive VP
• Manage estimating databases / estimating software
• Evaluate and adapt to current market conditions and costs
• Project diversity analyses and incorporation into proposals as required
• Working with Project Engineers, APMs, and Project Managers on job cost development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of estimating experience in commercial construction

• Project procurement, including project selection based on company mission.
• Review and approval of all "pre-contract" proposals.
• Develop and maintain estimating schedule
• Quantity estimating and estimate building.
• Subcontractor and supplier solicitation
• Scope writing and Contract Review
• Update of management on status of estimating schedule
• Manage estimating databases / estimating software
• Evaluate and adapt to current market conditions and costs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating public sector, municipal, infrastructure, site development, or commercial construction projects.
• Knowledge of subcontractor procurement and bid leveling processes.
• Familiarity with project scheduling software and construction management platforms.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits day 1.
• 401(k) with company contributions.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on growth and continuous improvement.

• Project diversity analyses and incorporation into proposals as required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, and pre-bid conferences.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites safely when required.

John Keno & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.