Estimator (Commercial Construction)

Location: Lakeland, Florida
Work Arrangement: Onsite, with potential hybrid flexibility
Compensation: $80,000–$100,000 base salary; experienced candidates may be considered up to $130,000–$150,000

Position Overview

Our client, an established commercial general contractor with more than 20 years in business, is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to join its Lakeland, Florida team. This individual will be responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates for ground-up commercial construction projects, with a primary focus on retail and heavy industrial work. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented estimator who can manage the full preconstruction and bidding process, build relationships with subcontractors, communicate directly with clients, and confidently present completed estimates to company leadership and project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design-development, and final construction estimates.
• Estimate ground-up commercial construction projects from initial review through bid submission.
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and other project documentation.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop detailed labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Solicit, review, level, and compare subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, qualifications, and potential project risks.
• Develop complete bid presentations, proposal packages, and bid books.
• Communicate directly with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal operations teams.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and client presentations.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and expand the company’s local bid network.
• Collaborate with project managers and superintendents during project handoff.
• Assist with value engineering, constructability reviews, and alternative pricing strategies.
• Maintain organized estimating records and historical project-cost data.

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Demonstrated experience estimating ground-up commercial construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, materials, labor, and subcontractor scopes.
• Experience soliciting and analyzing subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Ability to prepare professional bid presentations and complete proposal packages.
• Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and financial accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new estimating platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating retail construction projects.
• Experience with heavy industrial construction.
• Established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers throughout Central Florida.
• Experience with preconstruction, conceptual estimating, and value engineering.
• Familiarity with commonly used takeoff, estimating, and project-management software.
• Degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary generally ranging from $80,000–$100,000.
• Compensation may reach $130,000–$150,000 for candidates with significant experience and a strong track record.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance paid 100% for the employee.
• Company-provided technology and equipment.
• Long-term professional growth opportunities.
• Potential hybrid flexibility based on experience and business needs.

Company Culture

This is a family-oriented, established organization that values accountability, accuracy, collaboration, and long-term relationships. The company maintains a low-drama, low-micromanagement environment where experienced professionals are trusted to manage their responsibilities. The successful candidate will be a calm, dependable problem-solver who communicates well and takes ownership of the estimating process. This position offers the opportunity to become a key member of the preconstruction team and develop deep expertise in the retail and heavy industrial construction markets.