Estimator (Commercial Construction)

Commercial Construction Estimator

Our client is an established and highly respected general contractor with a strong presence throughout the Southwestern United States. The company specializes in a diverse range of commercial construction projects, including tenant improvements, ground-up developments, public works, and large-scale commercial and industrial facilities.

They are seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to join their growing team. This position will play a critical role in developing accurate and competitive cost estimates, managing the bidding process, evaluating project risks, and supporting the successful pursuit of new construction opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial construction estimating, experience managing bids for projects exceeding $5 million, and the ability to independently lead the estimating process from initial project review through final bid submission.

This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented and results-driven construction professional who enjoys collaborating with project teams, developing competitive bid strategies, and contributing to the continued growth of an established general contractor.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including ground-up construction, tenant improvements, and public works.
• Review architectural drawings, engineering plans, project specifications, and contract documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs across applicable CSI divisions.
• Develop comprehensive estimates incorporating labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor pricing, general conditions, and project contingencies.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, preliminary budgets, detailed bid summaries, and final construction proposals.
• Evaluate project constructibility, potential risks, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Develop competitive bid strategies to improve project award opportunities.
• Estimate both self-performed and subcontracted work using unit pricing, historical cost data, and field production information.

Bid Management & Subcontractor Coordination

• Independently manage the estimating and bidding process for private commercial and public works projects.
• Identify and solicit qualified subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure competitive bid coverage.
• Prepare detailed subcontractor scopes of work and evaluate subcontractor proposals for completeness and accuracy.
• Coordinate bid solicitations, pricing requests, and subcontractor communications using electronic bid management platforms.
• Conduct pre-bid meetings with subcontractors, vendors, and internal project teams as needed.
• Review and prepare bid documentation, including bid forms, bid bonds, and supporting proposal materials.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers throughout existing and new geographic markets.

Project Planning & Operations Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and operations personnel to evaluate project logistics and construction requirements.
• Assist in developing project schedules, staging plans, site logistics, and construction phasing strategies.
• Coordinate with field operations teams to validate labor productivity assumptions, equipment requirements, and construction methodologies.
• Maintain and improve historical estimating databases using actual project costs and field production information.
• Participate in estimate reviews to ensure accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and alignment with company objectives.
• Support the transition of awarded projects from preconstruction to project management and field operations.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 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 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 construction methods, materials, labor productivity, subcontractor scopes, and project costs.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing comprehensive construction cost estimates.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, scope reviews, and proposal preparation.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software, including Sage Timberline, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), or comparable estimating platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating ground-up commercial construction projects.
• Experience with public works bidding 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.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Competitive base salary based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Parental leave
• Supplemental insurance options
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based, with occasional visits to active construction sites as needed for project evaluations, preconstruction planning, and coordination with field operations. Site visits may involve working in job trailers and exposure to typical construction-site conditions.