Estimator (Construction)

Job Description

Job Description

Estimator

Reports To: Director of Preconstruction & Estimating
FLSA Status: Exempt
Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday
Location: Onsite – Bellflower, CA
Compensation: $80,000–$85,000 annually

Job Overview

Southern California-based commercial construction and development company Howard CDM is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented  Estimator to join our growing team.

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for commercial construction projects from preliminary concepts through completed construction documents. This position evaluates project scope, performs quantity takeoffs, develops labor and material pricing, solicits and analyzes subcontractor proposals, and supports the overall bidding and preconstruction process.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of commercial construction, can effectively interpret drawings and specifications, and is comfortable managing multiple estimates and deadlines. This position requires knowledge of current market conditions, subcontractor pricing, construction methods, and the ability to identify scope gaps, cost considerations, and value-engineering opportunities.

Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare cost estimates from preliminary information through completed construction documents, including conceptual, schematic design, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, project manuals, and other bid documents to develop a thorough understanding of the scope of work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and other project requirements.
• Develop labor and material pricing using current market rates, supplier pricing, subcontractor input, and historical cost information.
• Prepare estimates for preconstruction, hard bids, negotiated bids, design-build projects, budgets, general conditions, general requirements, and value-engineering exercises.
• Prepare and maintain estimates using company estimating software and established estimating procedures.
• Develop detailed scope sheets and control estimates for assigned trades.
• Evaluate project scope for completeness and identify potential scope gaps, constructability concerns, and cost impacts.
• Identify and evaluate value-engineering opportunities and alternative construction methods or materials.
• Maintain an understanding of current market conditions and their impact on labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Attend job walks, site visits, pre-bid meetings, and other project meetings as required.
• Prepare RFIs and coordinate estimating questions with the appropriate project stakeholders.
• Support bid-day activities, including final pricing, scope review, subcontractor follow-up, and estimate reconciliation.
• Follow up on submitted bids and budgets as appropriate through project award.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Develop lists of qualified subcontractors and vendors appropriate for the size and scope of each project.
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier participation and pricing for active bid opportunities.
• Prepare and distribute bid invitations and subcontractor bid packages, including applicable drawings, specifications, addenda, and scope information.
• Maintain communication with subcontractors and vendors throughout the bidding process regarding project information, deadlines, addenda, and outstanding items.
• Review subcontractor proposals for pricing, scope completeness, exclusions, qualifications, and potential scope gaps.
• Prepare scope comparisons and bid leveling information to assist with subcontractor evaluation and selection.
• Verify pricing through subcontractor quotations, supplier pricing, historical estimates, and other available cost information.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and other trade partners.

Project & Department Support

• Assist with estimating-to-operations turnover packages and participate in turnover meetings for awarded projects.
• Support the Project Management team with subcontractor buyout, scope clarification, and estimating information as needed.
• Maintain organized and accurate estimating records, subcontractor proposals, pricing information, and historical cost data.
• Participate in estimating and preconstruction meetings and provide updates on assigned estimates and responsibilities.
• Research and promote continuous improvement in estimating processes, tools, and methods.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior when representing Howard CDM.
• Provide additional estimating and preconstruction support as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of verifiable experience estimating commercial construction projects preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, details, project manuals, and other construction documents.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing labor, material, and equipment estimates.
• Knowledge of conceptual estimating, hard bids, negotiated bids, budgets, general conditions, general requirements, and value engineering.
• Familiarity with both conceptual and self-perform estimating.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
• Understanding of subcontractor scopes, bid analysis, bid leveling, and subcontractor selection.
• Understanding of current construction market conditions and their impact on pricing.
• Experience with commercial ground-up construction, retail, fine dining, corporate tenant improvements, hospitality, and/or multifamily projects preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Bluebeam, and construction bidding/estimating software.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors, design professionals, and internal project teams.
• Professional, dependable, and team-oriented.

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000–$85,000 annually, depending on experience
• Full-Time, Monday–Friday
• Onsite at our Bellflower headquarters
• Monthly Phone Allowance or Company Phone
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Section 125 Plan and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Reimbursement Plan

How We Determine What We Pay

Howard CDM determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific market data. We evaluate external market competitiveness, the cost of labor, internal equity, and compensation for comparable positions within the company.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers while providing room for future growth. Compensation is determined based on factors including the candidate's experience, education, specialized knowledge and skills, the external market, internal budget, and internal equity.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Howard CDM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

All offers of employment with Howard CDM are contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a background check, drug screen, and verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

Employment with Howard CDM is at will. This means employment is for an indefinite period and may be terminated by either the employee or Howard CDM, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job posting or any Howard CDM policy is intended to alter the at-will employment relationship.