Senior Estimator – Industrial & Commercial Construction

Salary: $170,000–$200,000 Annually

Direct Hire | Excellent Benefits | Relocation Support Available

We are actively seeking a Senior Estimator with a proven track record in industrial and commercial construction to join a nationally recognized general contractor. This position requires deep expertise in estimating large-scale, ground-up builds, retrofits, and high-complexity construction projects such as data centers, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, hospitals, and multi-use commercial spaces.

The successful candidate will lead all preconstruction estimating activities, develop comprehensive cost strategies, and partner closely with project stakeholders to deliver precise and competitive bids.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs for all scopes of work using architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil drawings.
• Develop full project cost estimates for ground-up commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects, often in the $10M–$200M+ range.
• Lead preconstruction and bid preparation including scope breakdowns, bid leveling, subcontractor vetting, and procurement planning.
• Perform site visits and constructability reviews to assess logistics, phasing, temporary infrastructure, and risk factors that may impact cost and schedule.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, and owners to clarify scope, identify value engineering opportunities, and ensure alignment on budget objectives.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for completeness, competitiveness, and scope alignment; lead pre-bid meetings and clarify inclusions/exclusions.
• Build and maintain historical cost databases to improve accuracy of future estimates and support budgeting for conceptual and schematic design stages.
• Participate in design-build and GMP proposal processes, supporting pricing through various design milestones (SD, DD, CD).
• Analyze construction market conditions, labor trends, and escalation factors to ensure estimates reflect current and future market realities.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior estimators and support staff to ensure team-wide accuracy and efficiency.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in estimating within the commercial and/or industrial construction sectors, with recent experience in senior or lead roles.
• Strong background in complex commercial and industrial building systems, including HVAC, process piping, structural steel, and specialized finishes.
• Proficient in estimating platforms such as PlanSwift, STACK, WinEst, Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), and Excel.
• Deep knowledge of CSI divisions, local building codes, and construction sequencing for large-scale commercial and industrial projects.
• Experience with design-build, lump-sum, GMP, and cost-plus delivery methods.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, technical specifications, shop drawings, and geotechnical reports.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to forecast, track, and explain cost variances throughout preconstruction.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; must be comfortable interfacing with executives, clients, and field teams.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines, high volumes of work, and multiple concurrent estimates under pressure.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel for site assessments and pre-bid walkthroughs.

Preferred Certifications and Credentials:

• OSHA 30 Construction Safety Certification
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) – American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
• LEED Accreditation (if working with sustainable design projects)
• Construction Estimating Certificate from an accredited institution
• Procore, CMiC, or similar project management software experience

Benefits Include:

• Competitive base salary: $170,000–$200,000
• Annual performance-based bonuses
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and sick leave
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
• Career advancement opportunities and ongoing training
• Supportive, team-focused work culture