Construction Estimator (Morristown)

Senior Estimatorpaying $120-140k range.Seeking a Senior Estimator who embodies what it means to be a builder — someone who can take incomplete, two-dimensional information and develop it into a clear, defensible, and executable plan for the full project. The role will lead and develop our estimating and preconstruction function.Project type: Healthcare, Senior Living, Sports and Rec, Museum and Theaters.Senior Estimator RESPONSIBILITIES:Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, design professionals, trade partners, and vendors.Analyze drawings, specifications, and project information to define full scope and constructability — including scope gap for what is not shown but required to meet the client's intent.Develop accurate, competitive budgets and estimates across all phases of design, from concept through construction documents. Perform thorough quantity takeoffs for each phase of design and pricing iterations.Monitor design evolution and clearly communicate cost and schedule impacts as conditions change. Provide clear and timely feedback during design and preconstruction.Lead and manage preconstruction meetings with ownership and design teams.Evaluate materials, means, and methods to identify value engineering opportunities and cost alternatives while maintaining project intent, quality, and constructability.Build and maintain a reliable trade partner network; identify and qualify new partners to ensure strong bid coverage. Help strengthen relationships with market trade partners, vendors, and industry partners.Lead the full bidding process: prepare packages, solicit bids and bid outreach, descope and level bids, and drive award recommendations. Review and qualify subcontractor proposals for completeness and risk.Develop proposal clarifications and qualifications.Monitor estimating accuracy and performance; identify and implement improvements over time.Lead project handoff from preconstruction to construction with clarity and accountability to ensure alignment between estimate, scope, and execution.Support procurement, pricing and negotiation of change orders as needed.Senior Estimator qualification and skills:7+ years of construction estimating and/or preconstruction experience in the Northern and Central New Jersey market with a general contractor or construction manager preparing successful conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, GMPs, and competitive bids.**Demonstrated ability to perform quantity takeoffs and interpret construction drawings and specifications across multiple disciplines.Strong understanding of construction means and methods, trade sequencing, and market pricing.Clear ability for bid analysis and identification of scope gaps, coordination issues, and risk during document review.Successfully led the entire preconstruction process from conceptual budgeting through the entire bid and handover process.Advanced proficiencies in Microsoft Excel and with a digital takeoff platform are required.As the lead of our Estimating and Preconstruction function, you won't just be filling out line items—you will be architecting the financial and operational roadmap for our most complex projects.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Preconstruction & AnalysisDeconstruct the Vision: Analyze drawings and specs to define the full scope. You are responsible for identifying the unseen—filling the gaps between what is on paper and what is required for a successful build.Design Evolution: Act as a project steward. Monitor design changes and provide real-time, transparent feedback on cost and schedule impacts to keep the project on track.Value Engineering: Proactively identify alternatives in materials and methods that maintain quality while optimizing the budget and constructability.Qualifications & SkillsMarket Expertise: 7+ years of experience in the Northern/Central NJ market with a GC or CM, specifically managing conceptual budgets, GMPs, and competitive bids.The Technical Builder Mindset: Demonstrated mastery in performing quantity takeoffs and interpreting complex multi-disciplinary drawings.Strategic Foresight: A proven ability to identify scope gaps and coordination risks long before they reach the job site.Leadership Experience: You have successfully steered the entire preconstruction lifecycle from initial concept through final handover.Toolbox: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and modern digital takeoff platforms is a non-negotiable.