Estimator - Commercial Construction (Hybrid)

Job Description

Job Description

Estimator – Commercial Construction (Hybrid) - Rolling Meadows, IL

$85,000 to $95,000 plus benefits

The Role
The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates and proposals for commercial construction projects. This role evaluates project documents, develops budgets, analyzes subcontractor and supplier pricing, and identifies potential cost and scheduling risks throughout the preconstruction process.

Working closely with clients, design professionals, trade partners, and internal operations teams, the Estimator supports project planning, cost management, and the successful transition of awarded projects into construction.

Job Responsibilities

Estimating and Budget Development

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Prepare quantity take-offs and detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general project expenses.
• Develop preliminary budgets, negotiated proposals, and competitive bids for a variety of commercial construction projects.
• Analyze subcontractor quotations, supplier pricing, historical costs, and current market conditions.
• Identify scope gaps, design discrepancies, and potential cost or schedule concerns.
• Prepare proposals, pricing summaries, bid forms, alternates, and scope clarifications.

Preconstruction and Project Coordination

• Collaborate with project management and field teams to evaluate constructability, sequencing, logistics, and scheduling requirements.
• Coordinate with clients, architects, and engineers to resolve questions and clarify project specifications.
• Identify long-lead materials, procurement challenges, and other factors that may affect project cost or schedule.
• Assist with preliminary schedules, procurement planning, and other preconstruction documentation.

Subcontractor and Supplier Management

• Solicit bids from qualified subcontractors and suppliers and monitor coverage across project scopes.
• Review and compare quotations for pricing, completeness, scope alignment, and exclusions.
• Follow up on outstanding bids, clarify scope requirements, and obtain revised pricing as needed.

Communication and Team Collaboration

• Maintain professional relationships with clients, design professionals, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, project interviews, and pricing discussions.
• Communicate estimate updates, project risks, and outstanding information to relevant stakeholders.

Education and Professional Background

• A degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a comparable discipline is preferred.
• At least two years of relevant commercial construction experience in estimating, preconstruction, construction project coordination, design support, or project management within the commercial construction sector.
• Demonstrated ability to develop pricing proposals and cost estimates for new-build commercial projects.
• Familiarity with estimating across multiple project delivery methods, including design-build, construction management, negotiated contracts, and competitive hard bids.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, bid documents, project schedules, and related contract materials.
• Background collaborating with project management and field operations personnel to facilitate preconstruction planning and the transition from estimating to project execution.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical & dental)
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Clear path for advancement
• Hybrid