Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator

About the Role:

A well-established commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join its Preconstruction team in Carlsbad, California. This is an excellent opportunity for a construction professional with strong estimating experience who can take ownership of complex commercial projects from early design through final pricing.

The successful candidate will lead detailed estimates, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor and vendor coordination, bid leveling, value engineering, cost analysis, and preconstruction planning. This role involves close collaboration with Preconstruction, Operations, Project Management, architects, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

The position will primarily support negotiated commercial projects across Life Sciences, Healthcare, Commercial, Institutional, and Industrial markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of detailed construction estimates through multiple phases of design.
• Perform and direct detailed quantity takeoffs from construction plans and specifications.
• Develop quantity, unit-rate, conceptual, and detailed cost estimates for complex construction scopes.
• Establish estimate structures, bid packages, and estimating responsibilities.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to identify scope requirements, gaps, risks, and cost impacts.
• Review complete estimate packages for accuracy, completeness, and scope coverage.
• Lead variance analysis between estimate phases and identify key drivers behind cost changes.
• Develop and execute subcontractor and vendor outreach strategies to ensure strong market coverage.
• Lead subcontractor scope reviews, bid leveling, budget reconciliation, and proposal evaluations.
• Review inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, assumptions, and scope gaps before estimates are issued.
• Lead buyout and lump-sum bid pursuits.
• Develop bid instructions, scope requirements, and bid package documentation.
• Identify value engineering and value-management opportunities.
• Develop cost comparisons and other analyses to support project value and cost optimization.
• Lead estimate reconciliation with clients, design teams, and third-party estimators.
• Develop and maintain cost models throughout design development.
• Provide ongoing cost feedback as projects progress through design.
• Evaluate design options based on cost, constructability, procurement, logistics, and overall project value.
• Work with Operations teams to incorporate schedule, phasing, staffing, general conditions, logistics, and project-specific requirements into estimates.
• Monitor Southern California labor trends, material pricing, escalation, and market conditions.
• Collaborate with Preconstruction Managers, Project Executives, Project Managers, Superintendents, Design Managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Identify constructability concerns, project risks, logistics requirements, and cost-saving opportunities before construction begins.
• Lead estimate kickoff meetings, pre-bid meetings, scope reviews, and estimating discussions.
• Present estimate information, assumptions, cost analysis, risks, and recommendations during internal and client-facing reviews.
• Direct and coordinate Estimators and other team members assigned to projects.
• Mentor and support the development of Estimators and junior preconstruction staff.
• Communicate project costs, risks, assumptions, scope gaps, market impacts, and cost variances clearly to stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continued improvement of estimating processes, systems, and best practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of estimating or related commercial construction experience, preferably within a General Contractor environment.
• Proven experience independently leading complete construction estimates through multiple design phases.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, building systems, trade scopes, and project sequencing.
• Strong conceptual estimating, quantity takeoff, and cost-analysis skills.
• Experience reviewing subcontractor proposals, identifying scope gaps, and leading bid leveling.
• Experience developing and communicating estimate assumptions, qualifications, risks, and cost variances.
• Ability to coordinate and direct Estimators and other preconstruction team members.
• Strong understanding of negotiated commercial construction projects and preconstruction processes.
• Experience with Life Sciences, Healthcare, Commercial, Institutional, or Industrial construction is preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, mathematical, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with the ability to clearly explain costs, risks, assumptions, and value opportunities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to estimate accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with clients, design professionals, subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency with construction and estimating software such as Bluebeam, OST, Procore, PlanSwift, Sage, Microsoft Excel, or comparable platforms.

Why Join Us:

• Build your career with an established commercial general contractor with decades of industry experience.
• Gain hands-on exposure to the complete preconstruction and estimating process.
• Work on complex commercial projects across healthcare, life sciences, institutional, industrial, and commercial markets.
• Collaborate directly with experienced professionals across estimating, operations, project management, design, and construction.
• Take ownership of meaningful estimating responsibilities and contribute to project success from the early planning stages.
• Develop expertise in quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, value engineering, subcontractor coordination, and bid management.
• Work within a culture focused on teamwork, growth, leadership, creativity, accountability, and professional development.
• Receive opportunities to expand your construction and estimating knowledge while building a long-term career.
• Join a company that values quality, ethical business practices, innovation, and strong client relationships.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Training and exposure to modern estimating and construction technologies.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to work on diverse and complex commercial construction projects.
• Long-term career development within a growing construction organization.