Lead Estimator

Title: Lead Estimator
Location: Homestead/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to join a growing construction team in the Pittsburgh area. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the entire estimating process, from conceptual budgeting and bid strategy development to final bid submission and project turnover.

The ideal candidate will have extensive commercial construction estimating experience, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while coordinating with subcontractors, vendors, clients, and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret project plans, specifications, contracts, conceptual drawings, and bid documents.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, proposals, schedules, and bid packages.

• Develop and execute bid strategies for commercial construction opportunities.

• Manage the entire bid process from project inception through final submission.

• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for completeness and competitiveness.

• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure adequate bid coverage.

• Analyze project costs, durations, and budgets prior to submission.

• Coordinate and lead project turnover meetings, providing project teams with critical estimating and bidding information.

• Attend pre-bid meetings and support project teams throughout the preconstruction process.

• Collaborate closely with Accounting, Operations, Project Management, and other internal departments.

• Supervise and mentor estimating support staff and contribute to departmental success.

Required Project Experience

Candidates should possess estimating experience in commercial construction projects such as:

• Ground-Up Commercial Buildings

• Restaurants

• Schools and Educational Facilities

• Automotive Dealerships

• Office Buildings

• Retail Developments

• Multi-Family / Multi-Unit Housing

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline preferred.

• Equivalent industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

• Proven experience in commercial construction estimating.

• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and pricing.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, contracts, and construction documents.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience with Timberline/Sage Estimating software is highly preferred.

• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and cost-analysis skills.

• Strong communication, organizational, and time-management abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.

Leadership & Management

• Experience leading estimating efforts and coordinating bid teams.

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to oversee subcontractor outreach, bid solicitation, and project handoff processes.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and mentor team members.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 5 - 10 years
Salary: $120,000 - $1,450,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No