Lead GC Estimator

LEAD GC ESTIMATOR

This is not a bench role. It is not a support seat. And it is not for someone who hands off estimates and moves on. We are Skyward Construction LLC, and we are hiring a Lead Estimator who takes pride in the full arc of the work: from the first look at a set of drawings to the day the project gets built. If that is how you operate, this was written for you.

AT A GLANCE

Home Base: Ridgefield, WA Preferred: Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR corridor, or willing to relocate Compensation: $120,000 to $155,000+ total Includes: Salary, bonuses, medical, dental, 401K match, PTO Region: Pacific Northwest Experience: 5+ years GC estimating Priority: VA, DOE, DOD backgrounds Travel: Bid walks and site visits required

WHAT THIS ROLE IS

You are a central leader in this business, not a back-office function. You will own estimating end to end and you will be accountable for the results across the Pacific Northwest. Estimate the full scope of work for projects from $500K to $15M in commercial, public, and federal markets Author technical proposals for federal procurements: written narratives, approach sections, past performance write-ups, and all supporting documentation required to compete and win Lead preconstruction conversations with GC teams, owners, architects, and government representatives Run bid day from start to finish: vet, validate, and compile subcontractor proposals Develop scope of work narratives that leave no room for disputes later Work directly with field leadership to validate scope, sequencing, and risk before a number goes out Serve as the primary subcontractor and GC contact from bid to award Help decide which projects we pursue and which ones we pass on

SDVOSB ADVANTAGE

Skyward Construction LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. In the federal space, that matters. It can mean fewer competitors, more relationship-driven procurement, and a clearer path to award when the proposal is complete and the team is credible. If you have federal estimating and technical proposal experience, you can win more of the right work here, and you will feel the difference in how projects are selected and pursued.

PRIORITY BACKGROUNDS

We will prioritize applicants with the following backgrounds: Substantial GC estimating experience on commercial, public, or federal projects. A track record of authoring technical proposals for federal solicitations, including written narratives and project approach documentation. Specific experience in the VA, DOE, or DOD (DOW) systems. Candidates who are in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR corridor, or willing to relocate. A demonstrated history of strong relationships with subs and subordinates.

FULL QUALIFICATIONS

Required 5+ years of GC estimating experience (or 2 years as GC and 5+ years as single scope estimator) on commercial, federal and/or public construction Proven experience authoring technical proposals for federal projects, including written narratives, approach sections, and supporting exhibits Ability to develop complete takeoffs, scope narratives, and pricing assumptions independently Experience working directly with subcontractors, developers, owner and government representatives Proven communication habits: accurate, prompt, and clear Willingness to learn new leadership methods and systems Comfortable with field visits, bid walks, and in-person relationship management Familiarity with Sage Estimating or similar construction estimating platforms Valid driver's license Strongly Preferred VA, DOE, or DOD (DOW) project experience Pacific Northwest market knowledge Experience mentoring or leading others in an estimating or preconstruction function, with openness to continuing to grow in that area Familiarity with Procore or similar construction management platforms

THIS ROLE IS NOT A FIT IF

You assume the lowest number wins and build your strategy around that assumption You hand estimates off and consider your accountability finished You have never written a technical proposal and are not interested in developing that skill You avoid field interaction or are uncomfortable with subcontractor-facing conversations You are not open to evolving how you lead or how you bid You want a desk role without visibility or accountability beyond the spreadsheet

WHO SUCCEEDS HERE

Estimators who care about what happens after bid day People who are known for being straight with subs and fair to the teams below them Professionals who can write a technical proposal that actually communicates how the work will get done Self-starters who own their pipeline and their results Leaders who can say no to bad work and explain why, clearly and confidently People who are willing to learn new ways of leading, not just new tools

COMPENSATION

$120,000 to $155,000+ total compensation Base salary: $100,000 to $125,000 DOE. Also includes bid win bonuses, margin bonuses, medical, dental, 401K with up to 5% employer contribution, and paid time off. Compensation is structured to reward the outcomes that actually matter. #J-18808-Ljbffr Skyward Construction, Inc.