Commercial Construction Estimator

Heritage Construction & Development
  • Charleston, SC
    Today

    Job Description

    Job Description

    Job Description

    Job Overview:

    We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven Commercial Construction Estimator with 3+ years of experience to join our growing team. This role plays a key part in driving project profitability through accurate cost estimating, competitive bidding, and value engineering. The ideal candidate has strong commercial construction knowledge, Plan / Specification reading experience, and a proven ability to produce precise, high-margin estimates in a fast-paced environment.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for commercial construction projects from conceptual design through final bid
    • Analyze architectural drawings, specifications, and project documents to determine full scope of work
    • Perform detailed quantity takeoffs using Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Sage, or similar estimating software
    • Source and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure competitive and profitable bids
    • Develop and maintain unit cost databases, labor rates, and material pricing benchmarks
    • Collaborate closely with project managers, superintendents, and leadership to refine budgets and scope
    • Identify cost-saving opportunities and provide value engineering recommendations
    • Review bid packages, RFPs, and RFQs for compliance and completeness
    • Support preconstruction planning, budgeting, and scheduling efforts
    • Participate in bid strategy meetings to improve win rate and project margins

    Qualifications:

    • Minimum 3+ years of experience as a construction estimator in commercial construction
    • Strong understanding of commercial building methods, materials, and construction sequencing
    • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and specifications accurately
    • Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills
    • Excellent communication and negotiation skills with subcontractors and vendors
    • High attention to detail with strong organizational and time management abilities
    • Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
    • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)

    Certifications (Preferred / Strongly Valued):

    • AACE International Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)
    • Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) – ASPE (American Society of Professional Estimators)
    • LEED Green Associate or LEED AP (USGBC) – sustainability-focused estimating advantage
    • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Safety Certification
    • DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) Certification – for design-build experience
    • Procore Certification (Project Management / Estimating Tools)
    • Bluebeam Revu Certification or Advanced User Training
    • PlanSwift Certification or advanced takeoff proficiency
    • Certified Construction Manager (CCM) – CMAA (optional but highly respected)

    Preferred Skills (Nice to Have):

    • Experience in design-build or commercial general contracting environments
    • Knowledge of value engineering and cost optimization strategies
    • Familiarity with scheduling software (Primavera P6, MS Project)
    • CAD or BIM coordination experience

    What We Offer:

    • Competitive base salary + performance-based bonuses
    • Direct impact on project margins and company profitability
    • Career growth opportunities into Senior Estimator or Preconstruction Manager roles

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationCharleston, SC

    Skills

    • Accounts Payableunmatched
    • Analysis Skillsunmatched
    • Architectural Analysisunmatched
    • Benchmarkingunmatched
    • Bid Packagesunmatched
    • Biddingunmatched
    • Blueprintsunmatched
    • Budget Managementunmatched
    • Budgetingunmatched
    • CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing)unmatched
    • Commercial Constructionunmatched
    • Communication Skillsunmatched
    • Constructionunmatched
    • Construction Drawingsunmatched
    • Construction Estimatesunmatched
    • Construction Managementunmatched
    • Construction Planningunmatched
    • Construction Safetyunmatched
    • Cost Controlunmatched
    • Cost Estimatesunmatched
    • Database Administrationunmatched
    • Detail Orientedunmatched
    • Leadershipunmatched
    • Mathematicsunmatched
    • Microsoft Projectunmatched
    • Negotiation Skillsunmatched
    • OSHAunmatched
    • Organizational Skillsunmatched
    • Pricingunmatched
    • Primaveraunmatched
    • Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
    • Profit & Lossunmatched
    • Project Designunmatched
    • Project Estimatesunmatched
    • Project Management Certificationunmatched
    • Project Management Softwareunmatched
    • Project/Program Managementunmatched
    • Request for Proposals (RFP)unmatched
    • Sustainabilityunmatched
    • Time Managementunmatched
    • Value Engineeringunmatched
    • Vendor/Supplier Evaluationunmatched

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