Key Responsibilities
- Review architectural, structural, civil, MEP, and other construction drawings, specifications, and addenda to fully understand project scope.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for all divisions of work (concrete, masonry, steel, finishes, specialties, MEP, sitework, etc.).
- Solicit, receive, analyze, and scope subcontractor and supplier bids/quotes; negotiate pricing and clarify scopes to ensure complete coverage.
- Develop accurate cost estimates including labor, material, equipment, subcontractor costs, general conditions, overhead, profit, bonds, insurance, and contingencies.
- Prepare conceptual / schematic design estimates, design development budgets, and guaranteed maximum price (GMP) or hard-bid proposals.
- Identify value engineering opportunities, constructability issues, and potential project risks; present alternatives to project teams and clients.
- Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, architects, engineers, and owners during pre-bid and preconstruction phases.
- Assemble clear, professional bid proposals, scope clarifications, and bid documents for submission.
- Participate in bid reviews, post-bid clarifications, and turnover meetings to operations teams.
- Maintain and update unit cost databases, historical cost data, and estimating templates/software.
- Support marketing efforts by providing conceptual budgets and assisting with proposal narratives when needed.
- Stay current on market pricing trends, labor rates, material costs, and construction best practices in the commercial sector.
Required Qualifications
- 3–8+ years of progressive estimating experience in commercial construction (office, retail, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, or similar).
- Proven track record preparing competitive bids as a general contractor estimator (experience with both hard-bid and negotiated/GMP projects preferred).
- Strong ability to read and interpret complex construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
- Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g., Procore, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage Estimating/Timberline, DESTINI, or similar).
- Solid understanding of commercial construction means and methods, building codes, and industry standards.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with subcontractors, vendors, design teams, and internal staff.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or related field (or equivalent field experience).
- Experience with conceptual estimating, design-assist projects, and/or public sector/commercial bidding.
- Familiarity with LEED/sustainable construction practices and cost impacts.
- OSHA 10 or 30 certification.
- Local market knowledge (regional material/labor pricing and subcontractor networks).