Construction Estimator

About The Company

Utopia is a forward-thinking global real estate development group dedicated to creating a distinctive portfolio of luxurious and high-end hospitality assets. At Utopia, we’re building more than properties — we’re crafting extraordinary experiences. Founded in 2023, our in‑house architectural firm, Utopia Design, is at the heart of our mission to create a global portfolio of luxurious, high‑end hospitality destinations. As part of a growing real‑estate development group, Utopia Design brings bold vision and innovative thinking to every project we take on. We’re a young, ambitious team driven by creativity, excellence, and the belief that great design transforms the way people live, travel, and connect. From concept to completion, we’re reimagining what luxury means in today’s world — and we’re just getting started. If you’re passionate about design, architecture, and shaping the future of global hospitality, we invite you to grow with us.

Role Description

We are looking for a skilled and detail‑oriented Construction Estimator to join our project team within the real‑estate development and construction business, focusing on boutique hospitality assets. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing cost estimates, managing budgets, analyzing project costs, and supporting procurement and contract administration throughout the project lifecycle. You should be able to work independently on day‑to‑day tasks, coordinate with the project team when needed, and deliver accurate reports and updates regularly. You will report to the Project Manager but collaborate closely with the entire design and construction team, including architects, interior designers, structural and MEP engineers, the FF&E procurement team, and client representatives. This role will focus primarily on detailed cost estimations. Engagement in detailed estimation (AACE Class 3 and 2) will be around 80%, with involvement in early stages (AACE Class 5 and 4) up to 20%. We expect you to be fluent in English and proficient in software such as Google Sheets, AutoCAD and Revit. Knowledge of procurement processes, tender documentation, and contract administration is also required. To succeed in this role, you should have excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills, be punctual, detail‑oriented, and motivated to deliver accurate and timely results.

Key details:

• This is a full‑time day role, with expected involvement of up to 40 hours per week.
• This is a fully remote position.
• Utopia does not provide visa sponsorship or relocation packages for this position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis to estimate materials, machinery, equipment and labour costs for construction projects.
• Develop bills of quantities for construction activities.
• Prepare cost estimates and budgets for construction projects.
• Prepare detailed construction schedules for construction projects.
• Review and challenge proposals from contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Prepare and submit progress reports and variations to stakeholders.
• Quote materials, machinery, equipment, labour and services.
• Resolve any disputes related to costs or contracts.

Who you will work with

• Reporting to: Project manager in charge of overall project performance: Close relation to ensure budget and schedule compliance.
• Working closely with:
• Internally: Project design coordinator in charge of the development of architectural and interior design.
• Finance team in charge of approving expenses and giving advice on financial matters.
• Legal team in charge of overseeing all legal affairs of the company.
• Construction team according to the construction strategy to be defined for each project.
• Externally: Local architect of record company in charge of developing detailed architectural and engineering design, planning plans, construction documentation and site supervision.
• Local legal consultants when needed to advise on legal matters.
• Contractors/subcontractors/suppliers according to the construction strategy for each project.

Key Role Outcomes

• Accurate and clear bill of quantities and supporting documentation according to design and development phases.
• Accurate cost and time estimates according to design and development phases.
• Timely quoting of materials and subcontracts.
• Clear communication and resolution of cost‑related issues.

CV Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in estimation, quantity surveying, civil engineering, architecture or other related field.
• Work Experience:
  • Proven experience as an estimator in construction projects (+6 years).
  • Proven experience as an estimator in high‑end hospitality/residential projects (+3 years).
  • Proven experience estimating budgets for construction projects over $20M USD.
  • Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, Revit, AutoCAD).
  • Proven built network of industry connections and relationships with contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.

Nice to have

• Professional certification (e.g., MRICS, PQS).
• Fluent communication in Portuguese and/or Spanish.
• Work experience in construction site roles.