Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

The Estimator plays a key leadership role within the preconstruction department, owning complex commercial construction estimates from initial conceptual budgeting through final bid submission. This position focuses on commercial projects across multiple asset classes and requires strong technical estimating expertise, excellent communication and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism. You will collaborate closely with operations, project management, and executive leadership, contribute to strategic preconstruction decisions, and help enhance estimating systems and processes in a well-established, growth-oriented construction organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and preconstruction process for commercial construction projects across multiple sectors and asset classes.
• Independently prepare and manage large, complex estimates from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates for a variety of commercial project types.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and scope analysis to ensure accurate and comprehensive cost estimates.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, and project documents for completeness, constructability, and potential risk.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals to ensure competitive and accurate pricing.
• Develop value-engineering recommendations and cost-saving strategies that align with project goals and client expectations.
• Assist with budgeting, procurement activities, and subcontractor buyouts to support successful project delivery.
• Participate in client meetings, preconstruction meetings, and design coordination discussions, representing the estimating function effectively.
• Identify project risks early in the preconstruction process and incorporate appropriate contingencies and mitigation strategies into estimates.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership to align estimates with project execution plans and business objectives.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with subcontractors and vendors to support reliable pricing and market intelligence.
• Mentor and support junior estimators and estimating staff, providing guidance, training, and leadership within the department.
• Contribute to the improvement of estimating systems, processes, and historical cost databases to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Support training development and internal knowledge sharing related to commercial estimating, bid leveling, value engineering, and risk analysis.
• Engage in client interaction during preconstruction to communicate estimate assumptions, value options, and project risks clearly and professionally.

Essential Skills

• Strong commercial construction estimating experience, with the ability to handle complex and large-scale projects.
• Ability to independently prepare and manage large, detailed estimates across multiple commercial asset classes.
• Deep understanding of construction means and methods and how they impact cost, schedule, and constructability.
• Hands-on experience performing quantity takeoffs and detailed scope analysis from construction drawings and specifications.
• Proven experience soliciting, reviewing, and leveling subcontractor and vendor bids to ensure accurate and competitive proposals.
• Experience with conceptual estimating, GMP development, and value-engineering strategies in commercial construction.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify project risks and develop cost-saving solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Clear and professional communication skills for effective interaction with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industry-standard estimating software.
• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Previous experience mentoring or leading junior estimating staff.
• Experience working across multiple commercial construction asset classes such as industrial, multifamily, educational, hospitality, self-storage, office, and other commercial projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with commercial estimation including conceptual estimates, GMPs, detailed takeoffs, and bid proposals.
• preconstruction services, including conceptual estimating, bid leveling, and subcontractor management.
• Ability to interpret and analyze construction drawings and specifications to develop accurate estimates.
• Experience in value engineering, developing cost-saving and value-enhancing solutions for clients.
• Skill in managing subcontractor relationships, including solicitation, evaluation, and selection strategies.
• Exposure to training development and mentoring within an estimating or preconstruction team.
• Comfort taking ownership of complex estimates and operating in a leadership role within preconstruction.
• Proactive, highly organized, and detail-oriented working style.
• Solution-driven mindset with the ability to develop creative approaches to project challenges.
• Strong client-facing skills, with the ability to communicate estimate assumptions, risks, and value options clearly.
• Experience with procurement, subcontractor buyouts, and strategic subcontractor selection.
• Ability to identify and analyze project risks early in the preconstruction process and incorporate appropriate strategies into estimates.
• Alignment with core values such as focus, reliability, integrity, transparency, tenacity, and professionalism.

Work Environment

This role sits within a well-established commercial construction and development organization that has operated for more than five decades and delivers projects across industrial, multifamily, educational, hospitality, self-storage, office, and broader commercial sectors. You work in a collaborative preconstruction environment with direct interaction and influence alongside Operations, Project Management teams, clients, and executive leadership. The position involves strategic preconstruction work, including heavy involvement in GMP development, conceptual estimating, value engineering, risk analysis, and subcontractor strategy, rather than focusing solely on quantity takeoffs. You will have the opportunity to mentor junior estimators, contribute to the development of estimating systems, processes, and historical cost databases, and help shape the departments future. Standard office technologies are used, including Microsoft Office and estimating software, in a professional setting that emphasizes accuracy, transparency, and teamwork. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 401(k), health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and paid time off, supporting a stable and engaging work environment with long-term growth potential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Hauppauge, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $210000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

401(k)Health insuranceDental insuranceVision insurancePaid time off

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Hauppauge, NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Hauppauge,NY.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on us.fitly.work for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.