Commercial Construction Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Commercial Construction Estimator to work onsite in Boynton Beach, FL Monday - Friday.

Role Overview

The Commercial Construction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive cost estimates for commercial construction projects , typically ranging from $500,000 to $7,000,000 , delivered through a vendor‐managed subcontractor model . This role focuses on scope clarity, subcontractor pricing, risk evaluation, and smooth handoff to operations , ensuring projects are bid profitably and executed as scoped.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including tenant improvements, renovations, capital improvements, and multi‐site programs valued between $500K and $7M
• Review architectural, structural, MEP, and civil drawings , specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents to fully understand project requirements and constraints
• Perform quantity takeoffs and scope reviews to support accurate pricing for subcontracted trades and materials
• Solicit, coordinate, and analyze subcontractor bids within a vendor‐managed construction model , ensuring scope completeness, pricing accuracy, and compliance with the company's standards
• Level subcontractor proposals by scope, inclusions, exclusions, scheduling assumptions, and risk, identifying gaps or inconsistencies
• Develop complete estimate summaries , including subcontracted costs, general conditions, allowances, contingencies, and markups
• Identify project risks, assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications , documenting them clearly for internal review and proposal submission
• Partner with Project Managers and Operations to validate constructability, sequencing, vendor availability, and execution strategies
• Participate in pre‐bid meetings, site walks, and scope clarification discussions as required
• Prepare bid pricing and proposal inputs for submission to clients, owners, or procurement platforms
• Support post‐award subcontractor buyout , scope alignment, and estimate handoff to the project team
• Maintain historical cost data, subcontractor pricing, and estimating templates for continuous improvement and accuracy
• Assist with value engineering (VE) by evaluating alternate means, methods, or materials without compromising scope or quality
• Support bid strategy discussions , including go/no‐go decisions, staffing assumptions, and schedule impacts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Building Science, or a related field , or equivalent hands‐on estimating experience
• 3–7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience , preferably with a general contractor operating in a subcontractor‐driven model
• Experience estimating mid‐size commercial projects , typically $500K–$10M , with multiple subcontracted trades
• Strong understanding of commercial construction means and methods , sequencing, logistics, and trade coordination
• Advanced proficiency with estimating and takeoff software , such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam, On‐Screen Takeoff, or similar tools
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for bid leveling, cost modeling, and estimate analysis
• Ability to read and interpret full construction drawing sets , including architectural, MEP, and specialty scopes
• Experience coordinating and communicating with subcontractors and vendors to clarify scope, pricing, and assumptions

This role is ideal for an estimator who:

• Thrives with incomplete information and evolving scope
• Is comfortable being hands‐on and client‐facing early in the project
• Understands that estimating is not just pricing—but problem‐solving, planning, and partnership

Preferred Experience

• Experience estimating projects where complete construction drawings or fully defined scopes are not available at bid time , requiring active scope development and clarification
• Demonstrated ability to engage early with clients, project managers, and vendors to help define project scope, assumptions, and budget before formal documentation exists
• Experience performing conceptual, budgetary, and ROM (rough order of magnitude) estimates based on limited information, site visits, historical data, and vendor input
• Strong background in scope gap identification and risk evaluation , with the ability to document assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications clearly for internal and client review
• Experience working closely with subcontractors and vendors to build scopes collaboratively , including walkthroughs, field verification, and preliminary pricing exercises
• Comfort operating in a high‐engagement estimating role , supporting projects from initial client request through bid, buyout, and handoff to operations
• Experience adjusting estimates as scope develops, drawings evolve, or site conditions are confirmed, while maintaining budget alignment and cost control
• Familiarity with estimating in occupied facilities , phased environments, or active operations where scope definition requires coordination and flexibility
• Experience supporting fast‐track or design‐assist projects where estimating, planning, and execution overlap
• Prior experience in a vendor‐managed or subcontractor‐driven construction model , where estimator success depends on communication, collaboration, and vendor accountability rather than self‐performed work
• Ability to partner with Project Managers post‐award to support scope validation, subcontractor buyout, and execution planning