Lead Estimator

Job Title:

Lead Estimator - Commercial Construction

Job Description

This leadership opportunity sits within a high-performing preconstruction team and focuses on driving estimating strategy for complex commercial construction projects. You will lead all aspects of cost estimating, from conceptual budgets through detailed construction documents, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with project goals. The role combines hands-on estimating with team leadership, process improvement, and value engineering, while working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to support successful project planning and execution.

Responsibilities

+ Lead the end-to-end cost estimating process for commercial construction projects, from conceptual budgeting through final construction documents.

+ Develop, review, and refine detailed estimates for projects ranging from small-scale efforts to large, complex assignments exceeding $200M.

+ Drive estimating strategy to ensure bids are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project and organizational objectives.

+ Collaborate closely with senior leadership, project management, engineering, and preconstruction teams to support comprehensive project planning.

+ Prepare, analyze, and present estimates, proposals, and pricing strategies for commercial construction pursuits.

+ Utilize estimating software, Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Suite tools to develop, track, and manage estimates and related documentation.

+ Support and lead value engineering initiatives by identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and project intent.

+ Mentor and guide other estimators, providing coaching, feedback, and support to strengthen team capabilities and performance.

+ Improve and standardize preconstruction and estimating workflows, tools, and best practices to enhance efficiency and consistency.

+ Participate in bidding and procurement activities, including reviewing subcontractor and vendor proposals and integrating them into overall project estimates.

+ Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure estimates reflect accurate scope, constructability considerations, and current market conditions.

+ Contribute to project risk assessments by identifying potential cost, schedule, and scope risks within estimates.

+ Support the preparation of clear, professional proposal documents and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

+ Maintain up-to-date knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and market pricing to inform estimating decisions.

Essential Skills

+ Minimum of 5+ years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction, with a focus on commercial construction.

+ Proven experience leading complex estimates on commercial projects, including ground-up and large-scale projects up to and exceeding $200M.

+ Strong background in large-scale commercial construction, including experience with diverse project types and delivery methods.

+ Demonstrated ability to influence project outcomes through accurate, strategic estimating and preconstruction planning.

+ Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for building, analyzing, and managing detailed cost models and estimates.

+ Strong working knowledge of estimating software tools, including Procore and Bluebeam, or similar platforms.

+ Proficiency with general Microsoft Suite applications for documentation, reporting, and communication.

+ Solid understanding of construction estimating principles, pricing, and cost analysis.

+ Experience in preconstruction planning, including budgeting, scheduling considerations, and value engineering.

+ Effective project management skills related to estimating, bidding, and proposal development.

+ Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including the ability to mentor and develop team members.

+ Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

+ Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field.

+ Experience preparing and managing proposals for commercial construction projects.

+ Familiarity with engineering concepts and construction methods relevant to commercial building projects.

+ Experience working within high-performing preconstruction or estimating teams.

+ Track record of contributing to process improvements and workflow enhancements in estimating or preconstruction.

+ Interest in growing into higher-level leadership roles, including potential progression into a director-level position.

+ Ability to interpret and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and related documents.

+ Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Work Environment

The role operates within a collaborative, high-performing preconstruction team that supports complex commercial construction projects. You will work…