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Construction Estimator- Project Manager

Waterstone Properties Group

Needham, MA

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Architectural Analysis, Architectural Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Baseline Schedule, Bidding, Budget Management, Budgeting, Building Codes, Building Regulations, Business Development, Change Requests/Orders, Civil Engineering, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Construction, Construction Drawings, Construction Estimates, Construction Management, Construction Projects, Continuous Improvement, Contract Negotiation, Contract Requirements, Contract Review, Cost Analysis, Cost Control, Cost Estimates, Cost Modeling, Cost Reporting, Customer Relations, Diversity, Engineering Drawing, Health Insurance, Healthcare, Historical Cost Principle, Leadership, Logistics, Machine Learning, Materials Analysis, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Multitasking, Negotiation Skills, Pricing, Primavera, Problem Solving Skills, Procurement Strategy, Project Design, Project Estimates, Project Execution, Project Schedule, Project Tracking, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Purchase Orders, Quantity Surveying, Regulatory Requirements, Requirements Management, Residential Construction, Retail, Schedule Development, Schematics, Team Player, Time Management, Value Engineering, Vendor/Supplier Relations, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Needham, MA
POSTED
30+ days ago
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Vision insurance

Pre-Construction Estimator / Project Manager

Location: Westbrook, ME or Needham, MA 


Employment Type: Full-Time  


Reports To: Development & Construction Manager


 



ABOUT THE ROLE


We are seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Estimator / Project Manager to lead estimating efforts and oversee project delivery from concept through construction. This role is central to our ability to make projects successful, control costs, and deliver projects profitably across our retail, commercial, healthcare, and residential portfolios.


The ideal candidate combines deep estimating expertise with strong project management instincts — someone who can read a set of plans, build a budget, and then guide the project through execution.



RESPONSIBILITIES



Pre-Construction & Estimating (Primary)


•       Perform thorough quantity takeoffs and develop detailed, accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions across all project phases


•       Analyze architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, addenda, and project requirements to identify scope, constructability concerns, and cost drivers


•       Prepare and present conceptual, schematic, and hard-bid estimates to internal leadership and clients


•       Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids to ensure competitive and complete pricing


•       Lead value engineering sessions with project teams and design professionals, analyzing alternative materials, systems, and construction methods to optimize project costs while maintaining design intent, performance standards, and owner expectations


•       Identify additional value engineering opportunities and propose alternatives that reduce cost without compromising quality or intent


•       Flag scope gaps, ambiguities, exclusions, and potential risks early in the estimating process


•       Maintain and continuously improve estimating databases, templates, historical cost data, and unit pricing


•       Develop and maintain proposed project schedules



Project Management (Secondary)


•       Manage and coordinate assigned construction projects from pre-construction through closeout, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification


•       Develop and maintain project schedules, logistics plans, scopes of work, and procurement strategies


•       Lead project meetings and coordinate with architects, engineers, owners, subcontractors, and internal teams


•       Prepare and manage project budgets, change orders, and monthly cost reporting


•       Monitor project progress against baseline schedules and budgets, proactively addressing variances


•       Review and negotiate subcontracts and purchase orders



Business Development & Relationships


•       Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals


•       Support business development efforts through accurate and timely bid submissions


•       Represent the company professionally in bid presentations, interviews, and client meetings


•       Maintain an up-to-date directory of qualified trade partners, vendors, and subcontractors



QUALIFICATIONS



Required


•       Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a closely related field


•       Minimum 5–10 years of progressive experience in construction estimating and/or project management, with a strong pre-construction background


•       Demonstrated success estimating and managing medium-to-large-scale retail, commercial, healthcare, and residential projects, with an understanding of the unique code requirements, regulatory standards, and construction complexities specific to each sector


•       Advanced ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents


•       Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, means, sequencing, and current market pricing


•       Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst, HCSS, or similar), scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6), and the Microsoft Office suite


•       Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills


•       Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment



Preferred


•       Experience with both hard-bid and negotiated/design-build delivery methods


•       Familiarity with value engineering principles and life-cycle cost analysis


•       Experience with retail rollout programs, tenant improvement buildouts, and multi-site project coordination


•       Familiarity with residential building codes, HOA/community standards, and mixed-use development requirements


•       Experience leveraging AI-powered tools and technologies (e.g., AI-assisted takeoff software, generative estimating platforms, or machine learning-based cost modeling) to improve estimating speed, accuracy, and decision-making


•       Established network of subcontractor and supplier relationships in the local market



WHAT SETS YOU APART


•       You look beyond what’s on the drawings — you ask the right questions and anticipate what’s missing


•       You’re proactive and resourceful when it comes to solving complex problems around cost, lead times, trade availability, and materials


•       You take ownership of your estimates and your projects from start to finish


•       You thrive in a collaborative environment but can work independently with minimal oversight



 

Waterstone Properties is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


Flexible work from home options available.

About the Company

W

Waterstone Properties Group