Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Prime Retail Services is a nationwide retail construction General Contractor helping brands bring their spaces to life with precision and professionalism. Since 2003, we’ve delivered retail construction solutions for Fortune 500 companies and growing brands across the United States.

The Senior Estimator leads the estimating and operations teams throughout the preconstruction and project startup process for commercial construction projects. This role is responsible for leading the estimating team as well as soliciting subcontractor and vendor bids, maintaining bidder relationships, organizing project documentation, assisting estimators with bid preparation, and supporting project managers during project turnover and buyout activities.

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced commercial construction environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Core Responsibilities

• Team Leadership – Supervise, train and mentor the estimating team
• Bid Management – Review plans, specifications and scope of work. Establish a clear plan to prepare and submit accurate and reliable estimates on time.
• Subcontractor Relations – build and maintain a strong network of reliable subcontractors
• Risk Assessment – Review contract terms, project schedules and site conditions to identify potential financial or logistical risks
• Executive Handoff – Lead internal bid reviews and transition meetings

Bid Solicitation & Preconstruction Support

• Solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing for commercial construction projects.
• Develop and maintain subcontractor/vendor databases and bidder lists.
• Distribute plans, specifications, addenda, and bid invitations to subcontractors and vendors.
• Track bid coverage and follow up with subcontractors to ensure adequate trade participation.
• Coordinate pre-bid communications and maintain bid correspondence records.
• Assist estimators in organizing and leveling subcontractor proposals.
• Review proposals for completeness, scope alignment, exclusions, and clarifications.
• Maintain bid calendars, deadlines, and project milestones.
• Coordinate plan room management and electronic bid platforms such as Building Connected or PlanHub

Communication & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, and internal teams.
• Professionally represent the company in all communications.
• Coordinate effectively with estimating, operations, accounting, and field personnel.
• Assist in resolving bid discrepancies and scope clarifications.

COMPETENCIES:

• Outstanding communication and negotiation
• Excellent organizational and time-management
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Understanding of subcontractor scopes and construction sequencing
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Reliable, predictable attendance at the scheduled site/office.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years Preconstruction/Estimating
• 5+ years Commercial construction
• 5+ years Bid administration
• 5+ years Preconstruction support

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with commercial retail, grocery, hospitality, healthcare, industrial, or tenant improvement projects

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree: Construction Management; Building Construction; Engineering; Architecture; Business Administration; Related field

*** This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this job, but is more of a general nature. Employee may be asked to perform duties not listed as required by business needs. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice ***