Lead Estimator – Commercial Construction

Lead Estimator – Commercial Construction

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to lead the estimating and preconstruction process for commercial construction projects. This role will oversee projects from initial conceptual budgeting and scope review through bid strategy, subcontractor solicitation, final estimate, bid submission, and project turnover.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical estimating expertise with leadership, communication, and project-management skills while working closely with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, project managers, operations, accounting, purchasing, and executive leadership.

Location:

Homestead/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $120,000 – $145,000 per year

This position is focused on commercial construction estimating, preconstruction leadership, bid strategy, cost analysis, subcontractor coordination, and successful project turnover.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the complete estimating process from project pursuit through final bid submission and turnover.
• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, scopes of work, and bid documents.
• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, cost analyses, proposals, and bid packages.
• Develop effective bidding strategies based on project scope, market conditions, schedule, and competition.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and analyze labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Solicite bids and proposals from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to ensure competitive bid coverage.
• Review subcontractor and vendor proposals for scope compliance, completeness, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, risks, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate multiple estimates and bid deadlines simultaneously.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and client meetings as required.
• Prepare final bid submissions and ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
• Coordinate estimating resources and provide guidance to estimating support personnel.
• Mentor and support junior estimators and members of the preconstruction team.
• Lead project turnover meetings and communicate critical estimating assumptions, scope information, budgets, and risks to operations and project management.
• Collaborate with Accounting, Operations, Project Management, Purchasing, and executive leadership.
• Maintain accurate estimating documentation and records throughout the bidding process.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating procedures, tools, and processes.

Project

Experience:

Experience with a variety of commercial and institutional construction projects is highly relevant, including:

• Ground-up commercial buildings
• Restaurants and hospitality facilities
• Schools and educational facilities
• Automotive dealerships
• Office buildings
• Retail developments
• Multi-family and multi-unit residential projects
• Other commercial and institutional construction projects

Required

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in commercial construction estimating.
• Demonstrated experience leading estimating activities and bid teams.
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, labor, and pricing.
• Ability to accurately interpret blueprints, construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor and vendor procurement processes.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and cost-estimating skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, estimates, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors, project managers, and senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Timberline/Sage Estimating is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Equivalent hands-on commercial construction estimating and industry experience may be…