Senior Estimator - Commercial Construction

Job Description

Position Overview

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We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to manage estimating and preconstruction efforts from the initial project opportunity through final subcontractor buyout and project turnover.

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The ideal candidate will be a hands-on senior estimator who understands how a project will actually be built, can read and interpret construction drawings and blueprints, develop accurate estimates, work directly with subcontractors and suppliers, and take ownership of the estimating process through final buyout.

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A strong understanding of the Charlotte-area commercial construction market and established relationships with local subcontractors and suppliers are highly valued.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Manage the complete estimating and preconstruction process from initial opportunity through final buyout and project turnover.
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• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, geotechnical reports, and other construction documents to develop accurate estimates.
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• Read and interpret commercial construction blueprints and drawings to understand project scope and develop accurate estimates.
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• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design-development, and final construction estimates.
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• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop complete project budgets.
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• Develop bid packages and solicit competitive pricing from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
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• Maintain and expand relationships with Charlotte-area subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and consultants.
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• Analyze subcontractor proposals for scope completeness, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing.
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• Conduct bid leveling and identify scope gaps before subcontract awards are made.
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• Lead subcontractor negotiations and make recommendations for subcontractor selection.
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• Complete the subcontractor buyout process, ensuring all scopes are properly covered and aligned with the project budget.
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• Identify value-engineering opportunities and provide cost-saving recommendations without compromising project requirements.
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• Work closely with ownership, architects, engineers, project managers, and superintendents throughout preconstruction.
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• Track current material, labor, and subcontractor pricing within the Charlotte/Carolinas market.
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• Prepare clear estimate summaries, bid comparisons, budgets, and presentations for management.
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• Participate in project handoff meetings and provide a complete turnover of the estimate, subcontractor scopes, buyout information, and project assumptions to the operations team.
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• Manage estimating and preconstruction efforts for projects nationwide, adapting to varying regional subcontractor markets, labor conditions, material pricing, and project requirements.
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• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and new clients, architects, and design partners, supporting repeat business and long-term partnerships.
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Qualifications

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• 5–10+ years of commercial construction estimating/preconstruction experience with a general contractor.
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• Strong preference for candidates with direct experience in the Charlotte, North Carolina construction market.
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• Established network of local subcontractors and suppliers and familiarity with area architects and design professionals.
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• Proven ability to independently estimate and manage projects from initial bid through final subcontractor buyout.
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• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, scheduling, subcontractor scopes, and sequencing.
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• Experience reviewing and leveling subcontractor bids and negotiating final scopes and pricing.
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• Ability to identify missing scope, potential cost exposure, and project risks before construction begins.
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• Strong knowledge of construction documents and all major divisions of work.
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• Excellent communication, negotiation, organizational, and analytical skills.
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• Proficiency with construction estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and related construction technology.
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• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred; equivalent hands-on construction estimating experience will be considered.
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Ideal Candidate

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We are looking for a hands-on senior estimator, not someone who simply assembles numbers. This individual should understand how a project will actually be built, know the Charlotte subcontractor market, be comfortable negotiating scopes and pricing, and take ownership of the estimate through final buyout and turnover to the project team.

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The right candidate will be able to step into the role, develop reliable subcontractor coverage, build strong local relationships, and help our company continue to grow in the Charlotte market.

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Experience with an established commercial general contractor and a demonstrated history of personally managing the estimating process are highly valued.

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Benefits

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• 2 weeks' vacation annually
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• 5 sick/personal days
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• Monthly automobile allowance
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• 401(k) with company match
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• BCBS/Blue Care Network insurance
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• Company-paid long-term and short-term disability
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• Company-paid life insurance
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• Company-paid life insurance
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• Bonus based on merit and overall company performance
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• Company credit card for direct costs
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• Company-paid cell phone or phone allowance
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• Company-paid laptop computer
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Benefits are subject to applicable plan documents and company policies.

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Apply Today

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If you are an experienced commercial construction estimator who can take ownership of a project from plans and specifications through estimating, subcontractor negotiations, final buyout, and project turnover, we encourage you to apply.

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Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

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Position: Senior Estimator

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Salary: $125,000–$140,000

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Job Type: Full-Time