Senior Estimator - Commercial Construction

Job Title: Senior Estimator - Commercial Construction

Location: Duluth, GA

Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking a  Senior Estimator to lead the preconstruction and bidding process for complex commercial construction projects. They will evaluate project drawings, compile exhaustive cost estimates, and collaborate with subcontractors to secure highly competitive, profitable bids. They will play an integral role in driving our expansion across the Southeast and Texas by translating technical specifications into precise, market-accurate financial proposals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the generation of comprehensive, multi-divisional cost estimates for light industrial, big-box retail, medical, and commercial office projects.
• Dissect and evaluate intricate architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings, project manuals, and commercial contracts.
• Manage outbound bid invitations via procurement networks, thoroughly reviewing subcontractor quotes for complete scope coverage.
• Negotiate material pricing and labor rates with regional suppliers and specialty trades to establish optimized cost breakdowns.
• Partner closely with Project Managers, Field Superintendents, and design teams during preconstruction to align estimates with operational realities.
• Develop, refine, and maintain an internal database tracking local unit costs, historical project metrics, and macroeconomic market trends.
• Identify strategic value engineering opportunities, recommending alternative materials or building methods to deliver client cost-savings.
• Package, articulate, and present finalized bid proposals, cost summaries, and margin risk reports directly to senior management.
• Support preconstruction leadership in assessing financial risk vectors and reviewing cost-related contractual terms.
• Mentor and coach junior estimators, auditing their work to support continuous improvement and standardization in our estimating workflows.
• Visit potential job sites and active projects as required to evaluate physical field conditions and verify localized takeoff accuracy.
• Perform historical cost reconciliations on completed builds, comparing estimated baselines against actual expenditures to improve future bid precision.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a highly related technical field of study. (Preferred)
• Minimum of 7 years of dedicated commercial construction estimating experience, with a clear preference for general contractor backgrounds.
• Highly proficient in modern estimating and takeoff software platforms (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, iSqFt, Sage Estimating, or similar tools).
• Deep technical knowledge of commercial building systems, construction materials, methods, and localized labor markets.
• Proven success bidding projects within the light industrial warehouse, medical clinic, or large-scale retail sectors. (Preferred)
• Elite ability to read, interpret, and cross-reference multi-layered construction documents, blueprints, and CSI specifications.
• Advanced negotiation, analytical, and communication skills necessary to manage trade relationships and present confidently to executives.
• Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation to accommodate occasional regional travel for site evaluator