Project Estimator

Company Description Clarion Construction, Inc. is a Specialty General Contractor focused on commercial and industrial improvements for a wide range of clients. Clarion maintains in-house union trades, including carpentry, drywall, painting, and glass, ensuring quality workmanship and tighter project control. Applicants can expect a culture that combines detailed management processes with skilled field execution, supporting accurate budgeting and successful project delivery.

Role Description The Project Estimator is a full-time, on-site role based in Lombard, IL. This position is responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates for commercial and industrial construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor work. Day-to-day tasks include reviewing drawings and specifications, performing quantity takeoffs, soliciting and analyzing vendor and subcontractor bids, and developing comprehensive proposals. The Project Estimator will collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams to refine budgets, support value engineering, and update estimates as project scope evolves. The role also involves maintaining estimating data, contributing to cost management best practices, and participating in pre-construction meetings.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong personal skills to collaborate with customers and stakeholders and maintain Clarion's customer service protocols.
• Interior Construction Estimating experience for both GC and trade work will be beneficial to the candidate. Experience interpreting plans, specifications, and scopes of work is mandatory.
• Candidates should possess solid Cost Management and Budgeting skills to develop accurate project budgets, track cost assumptions, and support value-driven decisions.
• Candidates should possess effective Communication skills to collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and subcontractors, and to present estimates and clarifications clearly.
• Experience with construction estimating software, takeoff tools, and MS Excel or similar spreadsheet applications is strongly beneficial.
• Knowledge of commercial and industrial construction methods, materials, and trade practices, including carpentry, drywall, painting, and glass, is preferred.
• Strong analytical and detail-oriented mindset, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple estimates simultaneously.
• Relevant education in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in construction estimating.