Lead Estimator

Lead Estimator – Multifamily ConstructionRISE Residential | Owner / Developer / General ContractorJacksonville, FL | Travel up to 25%$120K – $150K + Performance Bonus + Project IncentivesAbout RISERISE is a vertically integrated real estate platform that develops, constructs, and operates multifamily communities designed for long-term ownership.We are not a third-party GC bidding projects for external owners.We build and hold our own assets — meaning every construction decision directly impacts investment performance, lease-up timing, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value.Our estimating team operates at the intersection of development, design, procurement, and construction execution.This is a role for professionals who want influence at the deal level — not just responsibility for producing numbers.What This Role Actually IsThis is not a bid-chasing estimator position.The Lead Estimator serves as the central cost authority inside a vertically integrated owner/developer/GC platform — operating alongside development, acquisitions, and construction leadership to protect the financial integrity of projects before they are built and throughout execution.You will own cost across the full project lifecycle:Conceptual and feasibilityDesign phase cost managementGMP / hard-bid estimatingSubcontractor procurement and bid levelingBuyout reconciliation and cost analysisYour decisions directly impact ROI, project viability, and long-term asset performance — not simply contract margin.Core ResponsibilitiesPreconstruction & FeasibilityDevelop conceptual estimates used to evaluate acquisitions and new development opportunitiesTranslate conceptual plans into accurate unit-based and GSF cost modelsIdentify escalation exposure, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and budget risk early in the processDesign Phase Cost ManagementProvide continuous cost guidance throughout schematic design, DD, and construction documents phasesPartner directly with architects, engineers, and internal stakeholders to maintain alignment between design intent and financial targetsLead value engineering efforts with clear understanding of cost, schedule, operational, and quality impactsMaintain live cost-to-complete visibility throughout design developmentProcurement & Bid StrategyStructure bid packages that drive competition while eliminating scope ambiguityLead subcontractor outreach, bid leveling, scope analysis, and award recommendationsBuild and maintain subcontractor relationships capable of supporting long-term pipeline executionMaintain cost databases and benchmarking systems that inform portfolio-wide decisionsPost-Award AccountabilityReconcile estimate assumptions against actual buyout outcomesSupport project management teams during buyout and early construction phasesCapture lessons learned and feed cost intelligence back into future developmentsWhat We’re Looking For8+ years of estimating experience with minimum 5 years operating as Lead Estimator on multifamily or mixed-use projectsProven experience owning estimates from conceptual feasibility through GMP formation and buyout reconciliationStrong understanding of multiple construction types including wood-frame, podium, concrete, and structural steel systemsAdvanced takeoff, quantity analysis, and Excel-based financial modeling capabilityProven subcontractor relationships and bid management experience across multiple CSI divisionsAbility to build defensible estimates from incomplete or conceptual design informationComfortable operating in environments where cost decisions directly affect ownership returns and investment strategyExperience within vertically integrated owner/developer/GC organizations strongly preferredWhat Separates This RoleMost estimators price someone else’s project.This role operates at the deal table — influencing design direction, procurement strategy, construction execution, and long-term asset value from the earliest stages of development.You are not downstream from the process.You are part of the decision-making structure that shapes the project itself.Compensation & BenefitsWe offer a compensation structure aligned with performance and accountability:Base Salary: $120K – $150K DOEPerformance Bonus tied to estimating accuracy and project outcomesParticipation in project-level buyout savings incentivesLong-term equity / promote participation potential for senior-level candidatesHealth, dental, and vision coverage401(k) participationDetails are discussed directly with qualified candidates.Final NoteThis role is not designed for estimators who simply assemble numbers from completed drawings.It is for professionals capable of influencing financial outcomes, protecting investment strategy, and operating with ownership mentality throughout the development lifecycle.If that describes you, we want to hear from you.