Sign upLog in

Estimator + Project Manager

Design Alternatives

Lavallette

Apply
JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Benchmarking, Budgeting, Change Requests/Orders, Commercial Real Estate, Communication Skills, Construction, Construction Design, Cost Estimates, Customer Escalations, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Support/Service, Customer/Client Research, Driver's License, Interior Design, Metrics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Pricing, Problem Solving Skills, Project Estimates, Project/Program Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Sales, Time Management, Work From Home, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Lavallette
POSTED
30+ days ago

About Us

Design Alternatives is a premier Design-Build firm specializing in interior renovations for commercial properties, including homeowner communities, senior care facilities, and hospitality venues. We offer a turnkey solution, integrating interior design, construction, and procurement to streamline projects for our clients. Over 35 years, we have completed over 5 million square feet, 400 projects and earned a 75% repeat customer rate.

Service Area: New Jersey

About the Role

The Estimator + Project Manager owns the estimating process and steers the customer journey between sales and delivery. They translates early promises into ongoing value, orchestrates hand-offs across Design, Procurement, and Construction, and measures project health. The role blends estimator discipline with light-touch project management. Success is defined by accurate cost plans, smooth phase gates, and aligned client expectations.
Representative success metrics: estimate accuracy vs. actual cost, stage‑gate on‑time rate, preventable escalations/change orders, and overall client satisfaction.


Core Responsibilities

  • Cost Planning & Estimating: Evaluate plans and client requirements; perform quantity take‑offs; develop and update cost estimates pre‑ and post‑design; apply historical data, unit pricing, and benchmarks; run value‑engineering scenarios.
  • Final Budget & Timeline Coordination: Gather final pricing with Design/Procurement/Construction; normalize vendor proposals for apples‑to‑apples comparisons; define overall project timelines across phases.
  • Stage‑Gate Orchestration: Own the traffic‑lights between Design Buy Build; prepare and run cross‑functional stage‑gate reviews.
  • Project Success & Health Checks: Track expectations; maintain a project health score (budget variance, schedule drift, satisfaction pulse); surface risks early and escalate internally before client impact.
  • Project Close‑out: Execute close‑out, lead internal post‑mortems, and manage handover.
  • Data Feedback Loop: Convert lessons learned to updates for The DA Way; feed job costs back into the cost library.


Hours & Location

  • Full Time
  • 1-2 days per week in office
  • Remaining time visiting clients/vendors or working remotely


Ideal Candidate Profile


Background & Credentials

  • 2-5 years of direct experience
  • Demonstrated experience building cost plans from drawings and site information, including quantity take‑offs.
  • Experience coordinating across design, procurement, subs, and construction to align scope, price, and schedule.
  • Client‑facing experience leveling bids and discussing options with stakeholders.
  • Valid driver’s license & car


Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Fluency with take‑off and markup tools like BlueBeam.
  • Proficiency with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for estimating and bid tabs; proficiency with Google Slides or PowerPoint for client communication.
  • Comfortable driving cross‑functional reviews
  • Make sound calls quickly with incomplete information.
  • Plan the work and hit dates; keep others on schedule.
  • Keep clients, designers, and subs aligned; close gaps fast.
  • Strong written and verbal communication in a client service environment.
  • Communicate clearly, simply, and frequently.
  • Good listener and can adjust to the client’s style.
  • Spot risks early; flag them with options and tradeoffs.
  • Solve problems with what you have; unblock yourself.
  • Learn new tools and methods quickly.
  • Ask for feedback and improve every project.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional credentials such as ASPE CPE or AACE CEP.
  • Prior experience in design‑build interiors, estimating, or interiors procurement.
  • Evidence of building or maintaining cost libraries and vendor benchmarks.


Why Join Us?

  • Thriving Market: We serve a high-demand market with a strong project pipeline
  • Growth Opportunities: Our strong project pipeline creates clear career opportunities
  • Supportive Team: Work alongside experienced designers, project managers, and industry experts
  • Established Reputation: Over 35 years of trusted performance with a 75% repeat client rate

About the Company

D

Design Alternatives