Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

About Company

Elford, Inc. is a family and community-oriented company embracing the core values of trustworthiness, building lasting relationships, building our community, working hard/smart, and continually learning. Since 1910, our employees have invested more than 15 million hours in building projects that have shaped central Ohio and the Midwest. Every employee can take pride in these structures and in the relationships we have built with scores of companies and organizations. Strong relationships and open communication between management, staff, and field personnel allow us to provide our clients with the highest level of service. Over 85% of our work is for repeat clients, which is due to our policy of doing what is best for the owner; satisfied customers lead to long-term business relationships. Elford owes our success to our employees and have developed award and recognition programs to honor them for their hard work and dedication.

About the Role

The Senior Estimator plays a critical role in leading preconstruction and estimating efforts across a variety of commercial construction projects including healthcare, education, multifamily, industrial, and special projects work. This position is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates, driving pursuit strategy, and supporting project teams from conceptual budgeting through final bid and contract execution. The Senior Estimator partners closely with Operations, Business Development, subcontractors, and Executive Leadership to ensure projects are positioned for success from concept through completion. This role also provides leadership and mentorship within the Preconstruction team while helping drive consistency, accuracy, and continuous improvement throughout the estimating process. Ultimately, the Senior Estimator helps secure and deliver successful projects that align with client expectations, company standards, and long-term business goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction within commercial construction.
• Proven experience leading estimates from conceptual budgeting through GMP and final bid submission.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor productivity, and cost controls.
• Experience working with subcontractors, vendors, and project teams across multiple project types.
• Ability to analyze drawings, specifications, and project documentation to develop complete and accurate estimates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating healthcare, education, multifamily, industrial, or special projects work.
• Proficiency with estimating and construction management software platforms.
• Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, negotiated work, and value engineering.
• Established subcontractor relationships and strong market knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to present estimating strategies, cost analyses, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts from early conceptual budgeting through GMP and final bid submission.
• Review drawings, specifications, and project scope to develop detailed and accurate cost estimates.
• Perform and/or oversee quantity takeoffs, pricing, bid leveling, and subcontractor analysis.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to ensure competitive pricing and market coverage.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to align estimates with construction means, methods, sequencing, and labor productivity.
• Lead value engineering efforts and provide cost-saving recommendations and system alternatives.
• Reconcile estimates with owners, architects, consultants, and project teams throughout the preconstruction process.
• Monitor market trends, subcontractor availability, escalation impacts, and historical cost data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Support Business Development and pursuit efforts through presentations, client engagement, and preconstruction strategy discussions.
• Mentor and support Estimators and Assistant Estimators within the department.
• Ensure estimating deliverables are completed accurately, efficiently, and within project timelines.