Lead Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Estimator – Commercial Construction

Job Description

This leadership opportunity sits within a high-performing preconstruction team and focuses on driving estimating strategy for complex commercial construction projects. You will lead all aspects of cost estimating, from conceptual budgets through detailed construction documents, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with project goals. The role combines hands-on estimating with team leadership, process improvement, and value engineering, while working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to support successful project planning and execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end cost estimating process for commercial construction projects, from conceptual budgeting through final construction documents.
• Develop, review, and refine detailed estimates for projects ranging from small-scale efforts to large, complex assignments exceeding $200M.
• Drive estimating strategy to ensure bids are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project and organizational objectives.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership, project management, engineering, and preconstruction teams to support comprehensive project planning.
• Prepare, analyze, and present estimates, proposals, and pricing strategies for commercial construction pursuits.
• Utilize estimating software, Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Suite tools to develop, track, and manage estimates and related documentation.
• Support and lead value engineering initiatives by identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and project intent.
• Mentor and guide other estimators, providing coaching, feedback, and support to strengthen team capabilities and performance.
• Improve and standardize preconstruction and estimating workflows, tools, and best practices to enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Participate in bidding and procurement activities, including reviewing subcontractor and vendor proposals and integrating them into overall project estimates.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure estimates reflect accurate scope, constructability considerations, and current market conditions.
• Contribute to project risk assessments by identifying potential cost, schedule, and scope risks within estimates.
• Support the preparation of clear, professional proposal documents and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and market pricing to inform estimating decisions.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction, with a focus on commercial construction.
• Proven experience leading complex estimates on commercial projects, including ground-up and large-scale projects up to and exceeding $200M.
• Strong background in large-scale commercial construction, including experience with diverse project types and delivery methods.
• Demonstrated ability to influence project outcomes through accurate, strategic estimating and preconstruction planning.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for building, analyzing, and managing detailed cost models and estimates.
• Strong working knowledge of estimating software tools, including Procore and Bluebeam, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with general Microsoft Suite applications for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Solid understanding of construction estimating principles, pricing, and cost analysis.
• Experience in preconstruction planning, including budgeting, scheduling considerations, and value engineering.
• Effective project management skills related to estimating, bidding, and proposal development.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including the ability to mentor and develop team members.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or a related field.
• Experience preparing and managing proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Familiarity with engineering concepts and construction methods relevant to commercial building projects.
• Experience working within high-performing preconstruction or estimating teams.
• Track record of contributing to process improvements and workflow enhancements in estimating or preconstruction.
• Interest in growing into higher-level leadership roles, including potential progression into a director-level position.
• Ability to interpret and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and related documents.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Work Environment

The role operates within a collaborative, high-performing preconstruction team that supports complex commercial construction projects. You will work closely with other estimators, including colleagues based in Grand Rapids and Detroit, and partner frequently with project management, engineering, and leadership teams. The position uses modern construction technology and tools, including Procore, Bluebeam, and the Microsoft Suite, to support efficient estimating and preconstruction workflows. Travel is approximately 25%, primarily local, to visit project sites, attend meetings, and coordinate with regional teams and partners. The organization offers tangible benefits such as vehicle and phone allowances and provides a clear path for career growth into a director-level role. The culture emphasizes professional excellence, continuous improvement, and recognition as a top contractor and a best-and-brightest workplace.

This is a Permanent position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $165000.00/yr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.

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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.