Construction Estimator

Position Summary

The Construction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable cost estimates for construction projects from initial bid review through final proposal submission. This role reviews project plans and specifications, performs detailed quantity takeoffs, develops labor and material costs, obtains vendor and subcontractor pricing, and identifies potential scope gaps and project risks.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of how construction work is actually performed in the field, combined with solid estimating, analytical, and basic construction accounting skills. Success in this role requires attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to balance competitive pricing with protecting project margins.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Review architectural drawings, engineering plans, specifications, bid documents, contracts, and project requirements to fully understand project scope.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and other project costs using estimating and digital takeoff software.
• Develop labor estimates using appropriate crew sizes, productivity rates, wage rates, and anticipated project conditions.
• Research and maintain current material, equipment, subcontractor, and labor pricing to support accurate estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes during the estimating process, ensuring pricing aligns with the required scope and identifying potential gaps or exclusions.
• Level vendor and subcontractor proposals to ensure comparable scope and accurate inclusion within the estimate.
• Identify constructability concerns, logistical challenges, schedule constraints, long-lead materials, site conditions, and other factors that could impact project cost or execution.
• Incorporate appropriate contingencies and allowances based on identified project risks.
• Review historical project costs, production rates, and completed-job performance to continuously improve estimating accuracy.
• Develop clear assumptions, clarifications, qualifications, and exclusions for inclusion in bid proposals.
• Prepare complete bid packages and proposals for internal review and final submission.
• Participate in bid reviews with leadership and operations to evaluate pricing strategy, project risk, manpower requirements, schedule, and overall project fit.
• Support post-bid clarifications, scope reviews, and customer or general contractor questions as needed.
• Upon project award, provide a thorough estimating handoff to Project Management and Purchasing, including estimate details, vendor/subcontractor quotes, assumptions, exclusions, and identified project risks.
• Partner with Project Managers and field leadership to compare estimated versus actual project performance and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in construction estimating, project management, field supervision, or a related construction role.
• Field experience as a Superintendent, Foreman, Project Manager, or skilled construction professional is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, labor requirements, materials, equipment, and field productivity.
• Working knowledge of basic construction accounting principles, including labor burden, material costs, overhead, job costing, margins, and project profitability.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and other project documentation.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and developing labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor estimates.
• Proficiency with estimating and digital takeoff software such as Bluebeam, Procore, Sage Estimating, ConEst, or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify missing scope, duplicate costs, inconsistencies, and potential project risks.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills when working with vendors, subcontractors, Project Managers, field leadership, and customers.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and organization.
• Bachelor's degree is not required. Relevant construction experience, technical knowledge, and demonstrated estimating ability may substitute for formal education.

Preferred Experience

• Experience estimating commercial and/or industrial construction projects.
• Strong understanding of self-perform labor, including crew composition, production rates, labor burden, overtime, and equipment utilization.
• Familiarity with subcontracted trades, vendor pricing, and material markets.
• Understanding of general conditions, project schedules, change management, and common construction contract structures.
• Experience working closely with field operations and Project Management to evaluate estimate performance after project award.