Estimator (Commercial Construction)

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

Our client is an established general contractor specializing in commercial construction, ground-up developments, tenant improvements, public works, and large-scale commercial and industrial projects throughout the Southwestern United States. They are seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to join their growing team and lead the preparation of accurate, competitive construction estimates and proposals.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience , with a proven ability to independently manage the bidding process for projects valued at $5 million or more . This position requires strong expertise in quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bid management, construction cost analysis, and preconstruction planning, along with proficiency in Sage Timberline, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), or comparable estimating software .

Duties & Responsibilities

• Construction Estimating & Preconstruction

  • Lead the preparation of detailed construction cost estimates for commercial projects, including ground-up construction, tenant improvements, public works, and industrial facilities.

  • Review architectural drawings, engineering plans, construction specifications, and contract documents to evaluate project scope and requirements.

  • Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs across applicable Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) divisions .

  • Develop detailed estimates incorporating labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor pricing, general conditions, overhead, and project contingencies.

  • Prepare conceptual estimates, preliminary budgets, detailed bid summaries, and final construction proposals.

  • Evaluate project constructibility, potential cost risks, scope discrepancies, and value-engineering opportunities.

  • Develop competitive estimating strategies to improve project award opportunities.

  • Estimate self-performed and subcontracted work using unit pricing, historical cost data, and field production information.

• Bid Management & Proposal Development

  • Independently manage the estimating and bidding process from initial project review through final bid submission.

  • Prepare competitive bids for private commercial construction and public works projects.

  • Review bid requirements, construction documents, and contractual obligations to ensure accurate and complete proposals.

  • Develop bid schedules, establish pricing deadlines, and coordinate estimating activities.

  • Prepare bid documentation, including bid forms, bid bonds, and supporting proposal materials.

  • Participate in internal estimate reviews to evaluate accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and potential project risks.

  • Coordinate final bid submissions in accordance with project requirements and deadlines.

  • Maintain organized estimating records, bid documentation, and project pricing information.

• Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

  • Identify, solicit, and evaluate qualified subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure competitive bid coverage.

  • Prepare detailed subcontractor scopes of work and bid solicitation packages.

  • Review subcontractor proposals for completeness, accuracy, exclusions, and scope coverage.

  • Perform subcontractor bid leveling and pricing comparisons to identify competitive and qualified proposals.

  • Coordinate subcontractor communications, pricing requests, and bid clarifications through electronic bid management platforms.

  • Conduct pre-bid meetings with subcontractors, vendors, and internal project teams as needed.

  • Develop and maintain relationships with commercial construction subcontractors and suppliers.

  • Support subcontractor sourcing efforts in existing and emerging geographic markets.

• Project Planning & Construction Coordination

  • Collaborate with Project Managers, Superintendents, and operations personnel to evaluate construction methods and project requirements.

  • Assist with developing preliminary construction schedules, staging plans, site logistics, and project phasing strategies.

  • Coordinate with field operations teams to validate labor productivity assumptions, equipment requirements, and construction methodologies.

  • Evaluate project site conditions and potential logistical challenges affecting construction costs.

  • Review project specifications and drawings to identify constructability concerns and potential cost impacts.

  • Support preconstruction planning and coordination between estimating and operations teams.

  • Participate in project planning meetings and provide cost-related recommendations.

  • Ensure estimating assumptions align with anticipated construction execution requirements.

• Cost Analysis & Value Engineering

  • Analyze construction costs, labor productivity, material pricing, and subcontractor proposals to develop accurate estimates.

  • Identify opportunities to improve project competitiveness through alternative materials, construction methods, and value-engineering solutions.

  • Evaluate potential project risks, cost escalations, and scope discrepancies.

  • Develop pricing strategies based on historical project costs, market conditions, and construction requirements.

  • Review estimates for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with company objectives.

  • Support conceptual budgeting and cost evaluations during early project development.

  • Maintain awareness of construction market conditions and subcontractor pricing trends.

• Estimating Systems & Project Handoff

  • Maintain and improve historical estimating databases using actual project costs and field production information.

  • Utilize Sage Timberline, On-Screen Takeoff (OST) , or comparable estimating software to prepare and manage estimates.

  • Maintain accurate cost records, estimating templates, and project documentation.

  • Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes, accuracy, and efficiency.

  • Participate in final estimate reviews and preconstruction coordination meetings.

  • Support the transition of awarded projects from estimating to Project Management and field operations.

  • Communicate project budgets, subcontractor pricing, scope assumptions, and potential risks to operations personnel.

  • Assist with resolving estimating-related questions during project startup.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Required Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of commercial construction estimating experience , preferably with an established general contractor.

  • Demonstrated experience estimating commercial construction projects valued at $5 million or more .

  • Proven ability to independently manage construction estimates and lead the bidding process from initial review through final submission.

  • Experience preparing competitive bids for private commercial construction and/or public works projects.

  • Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, labor productivity, subcontractor scopes, and project costs.

  • Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing comprehensive construction cost estimates.

  • Proven experience soliciting subcontractor bids, evaluating proposals, and preparing bid comparisons.

  • Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, engineering plans, construction specifications, and contract documents.

  • Experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed budgets, and final construction proposals.

  • Ability to manage multiple estimates and bidding deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.

• Construction Estimating & Technical Skills

  • Advanced knowledge of commercial construction estimating, cost analysis, and preconstruction planning .

  • Strong understanding of ground-up construction, tenant improvements, and commercial building systems.

  • Ability to perform quantity takeoffs across applicable CSI divisions .

  • Experience estimating labor, materials, equipment, general conditions, and subcontracted work.

  • Knowledge of construction sequencing, project scheduling, site logistics, and labor productivity.

  • Experience reviewing subcontractor scopes, identifying exclusions, and performing bid leveling.

  • Ability to evaluate constructability, project risks, and potential cost impacts.

  • Understanding of unit pricing, historical cost data, and field production information.

  • Knowledge of value engineering, cost optimization, and competitive bidding strategies.

• Estimating Software & Computer Skills

  • Proficiency with Sage Timberline, On-Screen Takeoff (OST) , or comparable construction estimating software.

  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook .

  • Experience using electronic estimating tools and digital construction drawings.

  • Ability to develop and maintain detailed estimating spreadsheets, cost breakdowns, and bid summaries.

  • Familiarity with electronic subcontractor bid solicitation and management platforms.

  • Experience maintaining historical estimating databases and construction cost records.

  • Ability to organize and manage multiple electronic bid packages and project documents.

• Subcontractor & Bid Management Skills

  • Strong knowledge of subcontractor solicitation, scope development, bid leveling, and proposal evaluation.

  • Experience coordinating competitive bids involving multiple construction trades.

  • Ability to identify scope gaps, exclusions, and potential pricing discrepancies.

  • Strong understanding of bid documentation, proposal requirements, and submission deadlines.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with subcontractors, suppliers, vendors, and internal construction teams.

  • Experience developing competitive bid strategies and managing multiple bidding opportunities.

• Professional Skills

  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to estimating accuracy.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently and manage the estimating process with minimal supervision.

  • Strong time management skills and ability to meet demanding bid deadlines.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Superintendents, subcontractors, and vendors.

  • Strong understanding of construction costs, project profitability, and competitive pricing.

  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and results-driven approach to preconstruction and estimating.

• Preferred Experience

  • Experience estimating ground-up commercial construction projects .

  • Background preparing bids for public works projects and competitive procurement processes .

  • Knowledge of self-performed concrete and carpentry operations .

  • Experience estimating projects involving multiple trades and complex construction requirements.

  • Familiarity with SmartBid or similar subcontractor bid solicitation platforms.

  • Experience developing conceptual estimates, value-engineering recommendations, and alternative construction approaches.

  • Established relationships with commercial construction subcontractors and suppliers.

  • Experience supporting preconstruction planning, construction scheduling, and project handoffs.