Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

WHO WE ARE:

Named a 2025 Top Workplace, HJD Capital is a dynamic and innovative employee-owned construction company that values collaboration, quality, and client satisfaction. As a 100% employee-owned organization, we take pride in our collective achievements and prioritize creating opportunities for professional growth. We've grown from providing electrical services to offering a full range of solutions, including electrical, utility, general construction, construction management, and 24-hour plumbing and electrical service/maintenance. With a proven reputation as a highly specialized contractor, we proudly serve the government entities and commercial clients across the greater San Antonio area.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Estimator analyzes project plans, specifications, and requirements to develop detailed and accurate cost estimates. This role involves evaluating labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs while identifying potential risks and cost-saving opportunities. The Senior Estimator collaborates with project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure estimates align with project scope and business objectives. They often lead the estimating process, mentor junior estimators, and contribute to bid strategies to secure profitable projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Estimating & Scope Development

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs from plans, specs, and field observations
• Develop scopes of work from both complete and incomplete documentation
• Walk job sites and translate field conditions into actionable scopes
• Create structured scope sheets for subcontractor pricing

Bid Leveling & Subcontractor Coordination

• Solicit bids from subcontractors and vendors
• Level bids against defined scopes to identify:
• Gaps
• Overlaps
• Inconsistencies
• Ensure accurate, comparable, and defensible pricing
• Communicate with subcontractors to clarify scope and assumptions
• Build and maintain strong subcontractor/vendor relationships

Pricing & Cost Development

• Develop detailed, line-item estimates (labor, material, equipment, subs)
• Avoid lump-sum pricing; ensure full cost transparency
• Apply unit-based pricing and Job Item Pricing (JIP) methodologies
• Utilize OST, E4Clicks, and RSMeans for estimating accuracy
• Analyze cost drivers, risks, and constructability factors

Strategic Execution & Business Impact

• Evaluate multiple construction approaches and recommend best execution strategy
• Balance cost, schedule, and constructability in decision-making
• Align estimates with company profitability goals and market competitiveness
• Support value engineering and alternative solution development
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes

External Relationship Management

• Engage with clients during preconstruction to align scope and expectations
• Act as a key point of contact with subcontractors and vendors
• Build long-term, trusted relationships with external partners
• Represent the company professionally in all interactions

Collaboration & Coordination

• Partner with Project Managers and Superintendents on scope validation
• Coordinate with MEP trades and technical experts as needed
• Adapt estimating approach based on project type (commercial, municipal, JOC)
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• High attention to detail and strong analytical thinking
• Advanced plan reading and scope interpretation skills
• Proven experience in take-offs, scope development, and bid leveling
• Ability to create scopes from field walks without full plans
• Strong communication skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Strategic mindset with ability to evaluate multiple execution options
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with On-Screen Takeoff (OST) or STACK
• Experience with E4Clicks / RSMeans / eConverge
• Experience with Job Item Pricing Sheets (JIPs)
• Experience with Job Order Contracting (JOC)
• Experience in concrete construction
• Experience mentoring or leading estimators

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Eligibility for ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) - This allows you to have shares and ownership in the company!
• 401k
• Health Savings Account for medical costs
• Life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and critical illness & hospitalization indemnity