Construction Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Role: Estimator & Project Developer

Industry: Residential Remodeling

Salary: $75,000-$90,000 + bonus

Company: Hercules Design & Build

Are you the estimator who catches what everyone else misses? Do you instinctively check every line — and still get projects out the door on time? 

At Hercules Design Build, your eye for detail won't just be appreciated. It'll directly drive job profitability, project margins, and the success of a growing design-build firm. We're looking for an Estimator & Project Developer who wants to own the estimating process from schematic design through trade walks to final contract — with a clear path to production management down the road. 

If you have 5+ years of residential remodeling experience and the self-direction to manage a workload, let's talk. 

About us  

Hercules Design Build has been reimagining old homes across St. Louis since 2007 — from single-room remodels to whole-house renovations, outdoor living, and full additions. We're a full-service design-build team of 12: licensed architects, interior designers, drafters, and our own construction crew. We work in Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Clayton, and the greater St. Louis metro area.  

What hasn't changed in nearly 20 years? Our commitment to creating spaces that are functional, beautiful, and a genuine joy to live in. Elegant kitchens. Spa-like bathrooms. Thoughtfully designed interiors that make daily life better. Our core values — Integrity, Collaboration, Reliability, Thoughtfulness, Humility, Dedication to Improvement, and Excellence — aren't just words on a website. They're how we run meetings, admit mistakes, and hold each other accountable. 

We're building a company that will last. We're looking for people who want to help. 

Summary of Responsibilities  

You'll estimate all remodeling projects and change orders, manage subcontractor bids and trade walk-throughs, and serve as the constructability bridge between our design and production teams. You'll track job costs, maintain project schedules, and ensure every estimate is accurate enough to protect margins — with no downstream fix for a pricing error. 

Essential Functions  

• Estimate all remodeling projects and change orders — from schematic design through final contract 
• Lead subcontractor walk-throughs, solicit bids, and issue purchase orders 
• Review scope, drawings, and sub bids line-by-line to catch discrepancies before they become costly problems 
• Track job costs and ensure estimates fall within the 30–38% gross margin target 
• Prepare and present change orders to clients within 3 days of request 
• Serve as constructability consultant to the design team — flagging what can't be built before drawings are finalized 
• Maintain project master calendar showing all jobs in queue, design, and production 
• Conduct project handoff meetings with the Project Manager, including complete job folder package 
• Handle field RFIs related to scope, design questions, and hidden conditions 
• Compile and present lessons learned at post-project review meetings 

Education, Experience, and Skills Required  

• 5+ years of residential remodeling experience 
• Estimating or project management experience 
• High attention to detail — you instinctively check every line 
• Self-directed and organized — you manage your own workload without hand-holding 
• Tech savvy - proficient with Job Tread or similar estimating software, MS Suite, AI tools
• Strong communication skills — written, in-person, and on the phone with subs and clients 

Compensation   

• Base salary: $75,000 – $90,000 (depending on experience) 
• Performance bonus: Objective bonus plan tied to project and company performance 
• Health & dental: Company pays 50% of employee premium 
• 401(k): Company match (eligible after 90 days) 
• Paid time off: Starts at 8 days, negotiable, increases with tenure 
• Paid holidays: 6 holidays + full week off between Christmas and New Year's 
• Mileage reimbursement 
• Work-life balance 
• Growth path: Clear trajectory to Production Manager, Operations Manager 

How to Apply  

• Apply with your most recent resume 

We have a formal recruiting process and have a relationship with Zephyr Connects LLC, whom we use for the screening and hiring process.  If you are selected for the next step you will get instructions from Svitlana Diak within 3 days of your submission. Everyone will be contacted.   

Hercules Design & Build 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 law requirements, Hercules Design & Build complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  

Keywords: assistant project manager, project coordinator

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