Preconstruction Senior Estimator (ORLANDO)

Introduction to the role

Great projects start with accurate numbers, thoughtful planning, and a clear understanding of what it takes to build them. A commercial and institutional construction company in Orlando, FL is looking for a Preconstruction Senior Estimator to lead detailed estimating and cost planning for major construction projects.

In this role, you will turn drawings, specifications, and project requirements into accurate and defensible cost models. You will work closely with Preconstruction Managers, subcontractors, vendors, design teams, and clients to support budgeting, value engineering, bid development, and GMP finalization while helping establish a strong financial foundation for profitable project delivery.

Who are we looking for?

• You are an experienced commercial construction estimator with 7–10 years of dedicated estimating experience.
• You are highly analytical and comfortable breaking down complex drawings, specifications, and bid documents into detailed quantities and costs.
• You are confident working across CSI divisions and trade-specific cost evaluations.
• You are highly detail-oriented and take pride in producing accurate, well-documented estimates.
• You are experienced with negotiated Construction Management, design-assist, and ideally design-build project delivery.
• You are commercially minded and understand how estimating decisions can affect project profitability.
• You are a strong communicator who can build productive relationships with subcontractors, vendors, design teams, clients, and internal leadership.
• You are organized and able to manage multiple estimates and tight bid deadlines without compromising quality.
• You are comfortable supporting value engineering and making cost recommendations during the design process.
• You are committed to continuous improvement and understand the importance of maintaining reliable cost histories and pricing databases.

Your Responsibilities…

Estimating & Cost Analysis

• You will prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and comprehensive cost analyses across all project scopes.
• You will review drawings, specifications, contract documents, and design details to develop accurate preliminary and final estimates.
• You will perform constructibility reviews and identify scope gaps, assumptions, exclusions, and potential cost risks.
• You will evaluate trade-specific costs across relevant CSI divisions and reconcile subcontractor proposals.
• You will lead subcontractor and vendor communication for bid solicitation, scope reviews, clarification, and bid levelling.
• You will prepare clear bid summaries and cost comparisons that support informed project decisions.
• You will develop and maintain cost histories and pricing databases to strengthen future estimates and benchmarking.

Design-Phase Support & Value Engineering

• You will support value engineering efforts by evaluating alternative materials, systems, and construction approaches.
• You will provide early-stage cost input for design-assist and design-build projects to help teams make informed design decisions.
• You will collaborate with design teams, clients, and Preconstruction Managers to develop preliminary budgets and cost narratives.
• You will help ensure estimates remain aligned with design intent, project objectives, schedule requirements, and cost targets.

Contract & GMP Support

• You will work with Preconstruction Managers to review contract requirements, identify cost risks, and support GMP development.
• You will prepare detailed GMP proposals with appropriate contingencies, markups, overhead allocations, and supporting documentation.
• You will develop scopes of work that clearly communicate project assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions.
• You will ensure estimates are complete, defensible, and aligned with company standards and project risk profiles.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• You will work closely with internal teams to improve estimating processes, accuracy, and consistency.
• You will incorporate lessons learned from completed projects into future estimates and pricing strategies.
• You will support client meetings, project walkthroughs, and other preconstruction activities when required.
• You will travel periodically to active jobsites, client meetings, and project walkthroughs across central Florida.

What Success looks like…

• Estimates are accurate, complete, and delivered within established bid deadlines.
• Quantity takeoffs and cost analyses provide comprehensive coverage across all relevant project scopes.
• Subcontractor bids are well-solicited, clearly scoped, and effectively levelled.
• Pricing databases and cost histories are consistently maintained and provide reliable benchmarks for future estimates.
• Value engineering recommendations identify measurable cost opportunities without compromising project quality or schedule.
• GMP proposals are finalized accurately, with appropriate contingencies, markups, and risk allowances.
• Estimates clearly communicate assumptions, exclusions, scope gaps, and cost risks.
• Bid accuracy and project profitability consistently improve through strong estimating practices and lessons learned.

To be considered for this role you should have…

• 7–10 years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience estimating major commercial, institutional, structural, or heavy construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of CSI divisions and trade-specific cost evaluation.
• Advanced proficiency with construction takeoff and estimating software.
• Demonstrated experience with negotiated Construction Management and design-assist project delivery.
• Experience supporting design-build projects is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, building systems, and how design decisions affect project costs.
• Experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, bid levelling, cost analysis, and scope development.
• Experience supporting value engineering, preliminary budgeting, and GMP development.
• A Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred, or an equivalent combination of field experience and technical training.
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder.
• Must be a local candidate in Orlando, FL.

Challenges you may face in this role

• Managing multiple complex estimates and tight bid deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Identifying scope gaps and cost risks when project documentation is still evolving.
• Balancing design flexibility with the need for reliable and transparent project budgets.
• Reconciling different subcontractor proposals and ensuring accurate scope coverage across trades.
• Developing competitive pricing while protecting project profitability.
• Supporting GMP development when design details, quantities, and project requirements continue to change.
• Maintaining pricing accuracy in a market where material, labor, and subcontractor costs can change.

The Goodies…

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance bonus tied to bid accuracy and project profitability.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Solid retirement plan and paid time off.
• Professional development support.
• Opportunity for learning and career growth.
• Supportive team and great working environment.