Project Estimator - Specialty Construction

Kforce has a client that is seeking a Project Estimator - Specialty Construction in Grand Rapids, MI.

Summary:

In this role, you will develop complete, accurate, and competitive estimates for assigned opportunities by evaluating drawings, specifications, labor, materials, equipment, schedules, and project risks. You will manage customer communication through the bidding process and provide a thorough, documented handoff to project management and field operations to support safe execution and profitable project delivery. Responsibilities:

• Review RFQs, drawings, specifications, narratives, renderings, addenda, and related bid documents to define scope, exclusions, assumptions, and compliance requirements
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and estimates for materials, labor, equipment, logistics, and installation methods;
  Validate calculations and pricing inputs
• Assess constructability, site constraints, sequencing, labor productivity, and bid risks;
  Identify clarifications and cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing requirements
• Develop preliminary project milestones and installation assumptions aligned to the customer schedule for subsequent refinement by project management and field operations
• Prepare and submit accurate, timely bids and supporting documentation
• Serve as the primary customer contact during bidding
• Participate in recurring reviews with the Lead Estimator to discuss bid progress, pipeline priorities, competitiveness, and strategy
• Coordinate with drafting/detailing and project management to validate scope representation, constructability, project details, and installation
• Work with operations and purchasing to test material pricing, labor assumptions, vendor input, and equipment needs
• Support scope changes, pricing questions, and estimate reconciliation during project execution as requested
• Capture actual cost and field feedback to improve estimating assumptions, historical data, and future bid accuracy

• 3-5 years of relevant estimating, construction, manufacturing-related project, or comparable technical experience preferred
• Experience with labor, material, and equipment costing and construction bid submissions preferred
• Exposure to specialty wall systems, commercial construction, fabrication/manufacturing, or field installation operations preferred
• Proficiency in spreadsheets and digital estimating or takeoff tools;
  Familiarity with historical cost databases preferred
• Demonstrated ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications and develop quantity and cost estimates

• Blueprint & Specification Interpretation:
  Identifies requirements, quantities, interfaces, and potential scope gaps
• Quantitative & Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Performs accurate takeoffs, advanced calculations, pricing analysis, and estimate checks
• Construction & Field Knowledge:
  Understands installation methods, labor productivity, equipment, and constructability
• Risk Assessment & Commercial Judgment:
  Challenges assumptions, identifies exposure, and balances competitiveness with margin discipline
• Forward Planning:
  Visualizes project sequencing, site conditions, and downstream operational impacts
• Technology Proficiency:
  Works efficiently with estimating tools, spreadsheets, digital drawings, and project information systems
• Organization & Deadline Management:
  Prioritizes multiple bids and maintains complete, traceable records
• Communication &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Works effectively with customers, estimators, project managers, and field leaders
• Professional Skepticism, Adaptability, Integrity & Composure:
  Verifies inputs, adjusts to addenda, and makes sound decisions under pressure

• Primarily office-based with coordination across project teams;
  Occasional…