Construction Estimator and Bid controller

This role is responsible for leading the bidding process, preparing accurate cost estimates, managing procurement activities, and supporting construction and maintenance operations. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in retail construction estimating, vendor negotiations, and cost control while working in a fast-paced environment.

Estimator and Bid controller in Brooklyn, NY
Salary:$65,000 – $75,000 per year
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Construction Estimator to join our growing construction team. This role is responsible for leading the bidding process, preparing accurate cost estimates, managing procurement activities, and supporting construction and maintenance operations. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in retail construction estimating, vendor negotiations, and cost control while working in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and submit competitive bids for construction and refurbishment projects.
• Perform detailed cost estimating, quantity take-offs, and value engineering analyses.
• Lead the bid leveling process and support contract award decisions.
• Monitor project costs against approved budgets, tracking change orders, cost overruns, and budget variances.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and contract conditions with manufacturers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and manufacturers to secure competitive pricing and favorable contract terms.
• Build and maintain an organized database of vendors, suppliers, pricing, and procurement records.
• Prepare estimates and quotations to support maintenance projects and operational purchasing needs.
• Maintain accurate records of bids, purchase orders, contracts, and pricing agreements.
• Collaborate with construction, maintenance, procurement, and accounting teams to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Monitor market pricing trends and material costs to maintain competitive and accurate estimates.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in construction estimating, procurement, or cost control.
• Experience preparing and evaluating bids submitted to General Contractors (GCs).
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and procurement processes.
• Proven experience negotiating with vendors, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, shop drawings, and project specifications.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with estimating or cost-control software is preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple bids and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual English and Spanish is strongly preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or professional degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with retail construction projects.
• Background in procurement, purchasing, or vendor management.
• Knowledge of value engineering principles.
• Experience supporting both construction and maintenance operations.

Key Skills

• Construction estimating
• Cost analysis and budgeting
• Quantity take-offs
• Vendor and subcontractor negotiations
• Procurement and purchasing
• Contract administration
• Cost control
• Construction drawings and specifications
• Microsoft Excel
• Estimating software
• Organization and time management
• Attention to detail
• Decision-making
• Communication and collaboration
• Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred)

Compensation

• Competitive benefits package
• Career growth opportunities
• Collaborative team environment