Estimator - Residential

Estimator (Residential) - Portage, MI

DISHER is partnering with a well‑established construction and development company to identify an Estimator – Residential Group to join their team in Portage, MI. This individual will own estimating and purchasing for residential new homes, custom homes, and portfolio products—playing a key role in cost control, budget accuracy, vendor strategy, and value engineering to support profitable growth across the residential business.

This company has a history of high retention, promoting from within, and a high level of transparency throughout the whole organization. They live, day by day, by 5 core values: do the right thing, be client focused, have a positive attitude, be a team player, and be proud of what we do. As an important member of this team, you will have a direct impact on how homes are priced, how trade partners are engaged, and how systems are improved over time.

• Lead estimating for residential new homes, custom builds, and portfolio products, delivering accurate and competitive budgets.
• Review plans, specifications, and market data to set clear cost targets and maintain budget integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
• Run bid solicitations, evaluate proposals, and award work to trade partners to secure strong pricing and performance.
• Oversee the purchasing cycle—including POs, rebates, invoicing, and budget reconciliation—to keep projects financially on track.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trades and suppliers, supporting reliable pricing, supply continuity, and partnership alignment.
• Drive value engineering and cost‑optimization efforts with sales, selections, and construction teams while protecting quality and the client experience.
• Monitor material and supply‑chain trends, identify cost or schedule risks, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Maintain and improve job templates, cost codes, and databases in Builder Trend and Sage; champion effective use of Bluebeam and other tools.
• Support pricing and approvals for change orders, and provide costing input for new product development and trade‑base expansion.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, scopes of work, contracts, and applicable codes and regulations in all estimates and purchases.

• 5–7+ years of progressive residential estimating and purchasing experience with a home builder (new homes, custom, or multi‑community).
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong ability to read and interpret residential construction drawings and specifications.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and comfort working in Builder Trend, Sage, and Bluebeam (or similar estimating/project management tools).
• Demonstrated strength in negotiation, analysis, organization, and follow‑through; driven by accuracy, quality, and accountability.
• Collaborative, service‑oriented approach to partnering with sales, design, construction, and leadership.
• Experience improving or standardizing estimating/purchasing processes and using data to drive better decisions.
• Familiarity with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is a plus.
• Comfort working primarily in an office setting with periodic visits to active job sites.