Estimator

Job Title: Estimator

Job Description

This Estimator role focuses on developing accurate conceptual through detailed estimates for a wide range of commercial construction projects, including renovations, tenant improvements, site and civil work, structural packages, and MEP-intensive scopes. The Estimator will lead quantity takeoffs, manage subcontractor bidding and scope leveling, and build complete estimates organized by CSI division. This position plays a key role in supporting preconstruction efforts from early pricing through award and turnover, ensuring projects are competitively priced, well-documented, and aligned with client and project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, construction document, and guaranteed maximum price estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Develop alternates and value-engineering options that improve cost efficiency while maintaining design intent and project quality.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP scopes using plans, specifications, and related documents.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies in drawings and specifications and communicate them clearly to the project team.
• Solicit, scope, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals across all trades to ensure complete and competitive coverage.
• Evaluate and compare subcontractor bids, confirm inclusions and exclusions, and address clarifications and assumptions with bidders.
• Build comprehensive estimate summaries and schedules of values, organized by CSI division and project phase.
• Document and present estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, contingencies, and risk items to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain, update, and improve cost databases, unit prices, assemblies, and historical benchmarks to enhance estimating accuracy.
• Lead and coordinate pre-bid requests for information, review addenda, and incorporate changes into estimates in a timely manner.
• Provide constructability, means-and-methods, and sequencing input during preconstruction to help optimize project delivery.
• Partner closely with project managers to support smooth turnover from preconstruction to operations, including buy-out strategy and budget tracking.
• Contribute to schedule-based estimating by aligning quantities and costs with project phasing, milestones, and logic.
• Support owner and design team meetings by presenting cost information, options, and recommendations clearly and professionally.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, and design professionals throughout the estimating and preconstruction process.

Essential Skills

• 5-10 years of estimating experience with a commercial general contractor or equivalent construction organization.
• Proven ability to prepare conceptual through detailed estimates for commercial renovations, tenant improvements, site/civil work, structural packages, and MEP-intensive scopes.
• Demonstrated proficiency across CSI Divisions 02-33, including coordination and integration of MEP scopes.
• Strong command of quantity takeoff techniques and scope leveling for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP trades.
• Track record of effective bid-day organization, including managing multiple subcontractor bids and last-minute changes.
• Hands-on experience using estimating software and digital tools for commercial construction.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Forma for model-based or design-integrated estimating workflows.
• Proficiency with ProEst or similar estimating platforms to develop, organize, and report estimates.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, data organization, and reporting for estimating and cost analysis.
• Solid understanding of building codes, permitting processes, and requirements related to Ohio public and private projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear estimate documentation and reports.
• Ability to lead preconstruction discussions, present cost options, and negotiate effectively with subcontractors and suppliers.
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work under deadlines in a bid-driven environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred; relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
• Experience with commercial construction management processes, including preconstruction, buy-out, and budget tracking.
• Exposure to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows is a plus.
• Familiarity with schedule-based estimating and the integration of cost and time for project planning.
• Experience supporting owner and design team meetings by providing clear and concise cost feedback and value options.
• Ability to contribute to maintaining and improving historical cost databases, unit prices, and assemblies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with internal teams, trade partners, and clients.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in an office environment, where the Estimator will use digital tools and software such as Autodesk Forma, ProEst, and Microsoft Excel to develop and manage estimates. The position includes occasional visits to project sites and client locations to review existing conditions, attend meetings, and support preconstruction activities. The work involves collaboration with project managers, preconstruction staff, design professionals, and subcontractors in a professional, team-oriented setting. Standard business hours typically apply, with flexibility required around bid dates and critical deadlines. The environment emphasizes accuracy, collaboration, and timely communication, with access to modern construction technology and information systems to support efficient estimating and project planning.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Blue Ash, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Full medical, dental, and vision insurance. Ability to contribute to a 401k.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Blue Ash,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.