Commercial Construction Estimator

Job Description Our client is a nationwide commercial General Construction & Facility Maintenance organization built on respect, collaboration, and doing the right thing—for the clients and for each other. They are looking for individuals who take pride in their work, communicate respectfully, and value being part of a team. The right candidate is dependable, organized, and approaches their responsibilities with care and professionalism. We value people who are willing to learn, contribute positively to the workplace, and support their coworkers in a collaborative environment.Role OverviewThe Commercial Construction Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive cost estimates for commercial construction projects, typically ranging from $500,000 to $7,000,000, delivered through a vendor‐managed subcontractor model. This role focuses on scope clarity, subcontractor pricing, risk evaluation, and smooth handoff to operations, ensuring projects are bid profitably and executed as scoped.Key ResponsibilitiesPrepare detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including tenant improvements, renovations, capital improvements, and multi‐site programs valued between $500K and $7MReview architectural, structural, MEP, and civil drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents to fully understand project requirements and constraintsPerform quantity takeoffs and scope reviews to support accurate pricing for subcontracted trades and materialsSolicit, coordinate, and analyze subcontractor bids within a vendor‐managed construction model, ensuring scope completeness, pricing accuracy, and compliance with the company's standardsLevel subcontractor proposals by scope, inclusions, exclusions, scheduling assumptions, and risk, identifying gaps or inconsistenciesDevelop complete estimate summaries, including subcontracted costs, general conditions, allowances, contingencies, and markupsIdentify project risks, assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications, documenting them clearly for internal review and proposal submissionPartner with Project Managers and Operations to validate constructability, sequencing, vendor availability, and execution strategiesParticipate in pre‐bid meetings, site walks, and scope clarification discussions as requiredPrepare bid pricing and proposal inputs for submission to clients, owners, or procurement platformsSupport post‐award subcontractor buyout, scope alignment, and estimate handoff to the project teamMaintain historical cost data, subcontractor pricing, and estimating templates for continuous improvement and accuracyAssist with value engineering (VE) by evaluating alternate means, methods, or materials without compromising scope or qualitySupport bid strategy discussions, including go/no‐go decisions, staffing assumptions, and schedule impactsQualificationsBachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Building Science, or a related field, or equivalent hands‐on estimating experience3–7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor operating in a subcontractor‐driven modelExperience estimating mid‐size commercial projects, typically $500K–$10M, with multiple subcontracted tradesStrong understanding of commercial construction means and methods, sequencing, logistics, and trade coordinationAdvanced proficiency with estimating and takeoff software, such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam, On‐Screen Takeoff, or similar toolsStrong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for bid leveling, cost modeling, and estimate analysisAbility to read and interpret full construction drawing sets, including architectural, MEP, and specialty scopesExperience coordinating and communicating with subcontractors and vendors to clarify scope, pricing, and assumptionsRequirements & Core CompetenciesHigh attention to detail and accuracy in pricing, scope analysis, and documentationStrong organizational and time‐management skills, with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously under tight deadlinesAnalytical and risk‐aware mindset, capable of identifying scope gaps, cost drivers, and exposure areasComfort working in a vendor‐managed environment, where execution relies on subcontractor performance rather than self‐performed laborClear written and verbal communication skills to support internal reviews, subcontractor coordination, and proposal developmentUnderstanding of commercial contract structures, scopes, exclusions, and change management principlesAbility to collaborate cross‐functionally with preconstruction, project management, and field operationsProfessional judgment, integrity, and accountability in all estimating activitiesThis role is ideal for an estimator who:Thrives with incomplete information and evolving scopeIs comfortable being hands‐on and client‐facing early in the projectUnderstands that estimating is not just pricing—but problem‐solving, planning, and partnershipPreferred ExperienceExperience estimating projects where complete construction drawings or fully defined scopes are not available at bid time, requiring active scope development and clarificationDemonstrated ability to engage early with clients, project managers, and vendors to help define project scope, assumptions, and budget before formal documentation existsExperience performing conceptual, budgetary, and ROM (rough order of magnitude) estimates based on limited information, site visits, historical data, and vendor inputStrong background in scope gap identification and risk evaluation, with the ability to document assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications clearly for internal and client reviewExperience working closely with subcontractors and vendors to build scopes collaboratively, including walkthroughs, field verification, and preliminary pricing exercisesComfort operating in a high‐engagement estimating role, supporting projects from initial client request through bid, buyout, and handoff to operationsExperience adjusting estimates as scope develops, drawings evolve, or site conditions are confirmed, while maintaining budget alignment and cost controlFamiliarity with estimating in occupied facilities, phased environments, or active operations where scope definition requires coordination and flexibilityExperience supporting fast‐track or design‐assist projects where estimating, planning, and execution overlapPrior experience in a vendor‐managed or subcontractor‐driven construction model, where estimator success depends on communication, collaboration, and vendor accountability rather than self‐performed workAbility to partner with Project Managers post‐award to support scope validation, subcontractor buyout, and execution planning