Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

JCQ Services is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead estimating and bid development for complex commercial construction and renovation projects. This position owns the estimating process from initial bid review through proposal submission, including takeoffs, cost analysis, subcontractor bidding, scope review, risk assessment, and bid strategy.

The ideal candidate combines strong general contractor estimating experience, subcontractor relationships, negotiation skills, and construction knowledge with a strategic, data-driven approach. As JCQ expands its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and data analytics, this role will also help implement technologies that improve estimating accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ONGOING DUTIES

Estimating & Bid Management

• Lead estimates for major projects from initial review through final proposal submission.
• Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and bid documents to determine scope, requirements, risks, and opportunities.
• Prepare comprehensive estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, general conditions, overhead, logistics, and project duration.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, scope reconciliation, subcontractor bid leveling, and value engineering.
• Develop estimates for Bid-Build, Design-Build, CM/GC, and other Alternative Delivery projects.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, constructability concerns, inconsistencies, and cost risks before submission.
• Develop bid strategies that balance competitiveness, risk, and profitability.
• Prepare and maintain Invitations to Bid, subcontractor bid lists, scope sheets, bid leveling documentation, Bid Logs, HubSpot records, and other estimating documentation.
• Maintain historical cost data and incorporate completed-project information and lessons learned into future estimates.

AI, Technology & Process Improvement

• Use approved AI, automation, and estimating technologies to improve takeoffs, scope and document analysis, bid comparisons, cost benchmarking, and estimate development.
• Identify opportunities to streamline or automate estimating processes and improve team productivity.
• Collaborate with Preconstruction and AI/IT resources to implement estimating workflows, tools, dashboards, and system integrations.
• Validate AI-generated information against project documents, historical data, field knowledge, and subcontractor pricing.
• Promote responsible use of technology while ensuring professional construction judgment remains central to estimating decisions.
• Support measurable improvements in estimating accuracy, turnaround time, consistency, and bid quality.

 

Subcontractor, Supplier & Client Relations

• Lead estimating activities and provide direction to bid team members regarding strategy, schedule, scope coverage, and methodology.
• Build and maintain a strong network of qualified subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and industry partners.
• Solicit, analyze, level, clarify, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Coordinate major proposal reviews, Bid Day presentations, technical proposals, and post-bid analysis with Preconstruction leadership.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and proposal conferences.
• Communicate estimating assumptions, pricing, risks, and value-engineering opportunities to clients and project stakeholders.
• Continuously improve JCQ's estimating standards, processes, subcontractor coverage, and overall preconstruction capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience in commercial construction, preferably with a general contractor.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex commercial construction and renovation estimates.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, subcontractor scopes, labor productivity, material pricing, general conditions, scheduling, and project risk.
• Proven experience with quantity takeoffs and soliciting, analyzing, leveling, and negotiating subcontractor bids.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Building Science, or related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Proficiency with Procore, construction estimating/takeoff technologies, Microsoft Excel, and data analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent scheduling software.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adopt new technologies and use data to improve estimating processes and productivity.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI-powered estimating, takeoff, document analysis, cost intelligence, automation, dashboards, or business intelligence tools.
• Experience integrating estimating workflows with Procore, CRM, scheduling, or other construction management systems.
• Experience in hospitality, healthcare, education, theme park, and/or technology projects.
• Experience with renovations in active or occupied environments.
• Experience mentoring or providing direction to estimating team members.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to walk active construction sites, including uneven surfaces and stairs, as required.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) during site visits.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off

Work Environment & Schedule

This is a  full-time, in-person position requiring 40 hours per week . Regular and reliable attendance is an essential requirement of the position.

The role operates primarily in a professional office environment with periodic travel to construction sites, client locations, pre-bid meetings, and other business locations. Site visits may involve typical active construction conditions.

Travel between company locations, project sites, and client locations may be required based on business needs.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

JCQ Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

JCQ Services is a Drug-Free Workplace.

 

Additional Information

This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities and requirements of the position. Duties and assignments may change based on project and business needs.