Senior Estimator

Company: LMK Recruiting Solutions (Client: Confidential NYC General Contractor)

Location: East 40th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NY (On-site)

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Salary Range: $170,000 – $185,000 / year

About the Company

Our client is a leading NYC-based general contractor specializing in ground-up residential construction and major alterations across the five boroughs.

About the Role

They are looking for a Senior Estimator with procurement experience who is currently doing this work — someone actively pricing ground-up and major alteration projects on active GC bids today, not someone coming from owner-side, facilities, or corporate estimating.

This is a hands-on, high-visibility role that spans both sides of the pricing process: you will take a set of drawings and turn it into a complete, defensible budget or bid, and you will also carry that pricing through into subcontractor buyout and procurement as projects move into construction. You understand the real nuances of sequencing a ground-up build, know how to price it accurately, competitively, and on deadline, and know how to translate a winning estimate into a well-negotiated buyout.

Responsibilities

• Full-Cycle Estimating: Own the full estimating process for ground-up and major alteration projects — from conceptual/preliminary budgeting through detailed takeoffs and final bid submission.
• Takeoffs & Costing: Prepare accurate, comprehensive quantity takeoffs and cost estimates across all trades and project phases.
• Subcontractor Leveling: Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and vendor pricing to ensure scope completeness and cost accuracy.
• Procurement & Buyout: Lead procurement and buyout efforts post-award — soliciting bids, negotiating subcontract and purchase order pricing, and finalizing scopes in line with the estimate.
• Pricing & GMP Development: Develop and present GMPs, hard-bid pricing, and budget updates as projects move from preconstruction into construction.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with project executives, preconstruction teams, and project management to align pricing and procurement with the construction schedule and market conditions.
• Market Intelligence: Track material, labor, and market pricing trends across the NYC metro area to keep estimates and buyout targets current and competitive.
• Risk Management: Identify scope gaps, value engineering opportunities, and cost risks before they threaten budget or schedule.
• Documentation: Maintain organized, accurate estimating and procurement records, historical cost data, and bid/buyout documentation across active pursuits and awarded projects.
• NYC Regulatory Nuances: Navigate the practical realities of NYC ground-up and major alteration work — union labor agreements, DOB requirements, and site logistics specific to active construction.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Current Active GC
  
  Experience:
  
  Currently working for a general contractor, actively estimating ground-up and/or major alteration projects in NYC — this is a non-negotiable requirement.
• Procurement Expertise: Prior experience with subcontractor procurement/buyout, in addition to estimating, is strongly preferred.
• Technical Estimating: Deep, present-day understanding of takeoff methodology, bid leveling, and detailed cost estimating.
• Local Market Knowledge: Real, active knowledge of NYC-area trade pricing, labor rates, and material costs.
• Build Sequencing: Strong understanding of ground-up construction sequencing and major alteration project nuances.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency with construction estimating and project management software (On-Screen Takeoff, Plan Swift, Procore, Togal).
• Base Salary: $170,000 – $185,000 / year (commensurate with experience)
• 401(k): Company match included
• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays
• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health plans available
• Career Path: Real growth opportunities as our client's project pipeline continues to expand

Equal Opportunity Statement

Our client is committed to diversity and inclusivity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status.