Estimator Commercial Interiors Drywall Ceilings

A well-established specialty interiors contractor is seeking an experienced Commercial Interiors Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates and competitive bids for commercial interior construction projects in Northwest Arkansas. The ideal candidate brings direct estimating experience in drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, flooring, or similar interior finish trades.

You will own the complete estimating process, from plan review and quantity takeoffs through subcontractor pricing, cost analysis, and final bid submission. Sharp attention to detail, a solid grasp of interior construction methods, and the ability to manage multiple bids at once are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work on commercial interior projects.
• Review blueprints, architectural drawings, specifications, contracts, addenda, and bid revisions to establish scope and quantities.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs and calculate material, installation, labor, and equipment costs.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals, verifying pricing accuracy and scope coverage.
• Identify missing scope, conflicting responsibilities, exclusions, and constructability concerns before bid day.
• Develop competitive pricing using project requirements, current market rates, historical cost data, and established estimating practices.
• Assemble complete bid packages with itemized costs, scope definitions, assumptions, exclusions, and alternates.
• Recommend cost-saving materials and installation methods that still meet quality standards and specifications.
• Work with project managers, field supervisors, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to clarify scope and resolve pricing questions.
• Maintain estimating records, vendor pricing, bid logs, and cost databases.
• Track changes in labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and market conditions to keep estimates competitive.
• Prepare preliminary budgets, negotiated estimates, change-order pricing, and revised proposals as requirements evolve.
• Develop cost summaries and scope documentation for projects handed off to operations.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and internal bid reviews to validate scope, pricing, and requirements.
• Manage multiple estimates at once while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
• Identify ways to improve estimating procedures, cost tracking, and pricing practices for greater consistency and efficiency.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of estimating experience in commercial interior construction.
• Required: direct estimating experience with commercial drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, flooring, or related interior finish trades.
• Strong knowledge of interior construction materials, installation methods, trade sequencing, and project costs.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, specifications, contracts, addenda, and bid documents.
• Proven experience performing quantity takeoffs and preparing detailed commercial construction bids.
• Ability to evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals and spot pricing discrepancies, scope gaps, and exclusions.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, or comparable estimating software.
• Understanding of labor rates, material pricing, equipment costs, and subcontractor costs.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple estimates and deadlines.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• A steady pipeline of commercial interior construction work.
• Exposure to a wide variety of drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceiling, flooring, and interior finish projects.
• A collaborative team environment.
• Long-term career growth opportunities.