Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite)

About Novak Construction
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Chicago, Novak Construction is a premier national general contractor and construction management firm. We specialize in complex, high-profile projects across retail, industrial, institutional, healthcare, and mixed-use sectors. Our combination of technical expertise, progressive management tools, and commitment to client satisfaction makes us a trusted partner in the construction industry.

Position Overview
Novak Construction is seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction and Estimating team. The Senior Estimator will prepare budgets, estimates, and pre-bid packages for commercial construction projects under GMP, lump sum, and competitive bid structures. This role includes developing schematic, design development, and construction document estimates; soliciting and evaluating subcontractor bids; performing quantity take-offs; and reviewing project plans and specifications for renovations and new construction. As a customer-facing role, the Senior Estimator will interact directly with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure alignment on project goals, scope, and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the estimating process and delivery of estimate packages
• Analyze drawings and specifications to determine full scope of work and ensure accurate documentation
• Develop comprehensive, accurate estimates for projects of varying complexity
• Evaluate bid documents, identify risks and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to management
• Organize subcontractor and vendor bids, providing leadership on means, methods, schedules, and strategy
• Participate in RFP responses and pursuit of new work
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and production cost estimates
• Solicit, organize, and analyze subcontractor and vendor pricing
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site tours, and post-bid interviews as required
• Review drawings for constructability and monitor actual vs. estimated costs
• Maintain subcontractor database and prequalification records
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and suppliers

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture preferred, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 10 years of preconstruction, estimating, or operations experience in commercial construction
• Experience with industrial, warehouse, refrigerated buildings, commercial, and retail projects, including renovations and new construction
• Knowledgeable in civil/site, structural systems, interior/exterior finishes, mechanical/electrical systems, and associated costs
• Proven experience in client-facing interactions, including communicating budgets, project scope, and constructability with clients and design teams
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment
• Light travel as required for site visits and pre-bid meetings
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Autodesk/ProCore, OST, and ITB software
• Strong organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, flexible, collaborative, and self-motivated

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Annual discretionary performance bonus
• Additional allowances and benefits depending on experience and role requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer
Novak Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

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