Commercial Construction Estimator​/Preconstruction Lead

Opportunity to Help Shape the Future

At Nichols Construction Team we have delivered high‑quality commercial construction solutions for more than 42 years throughout Rochester and the surrounding region. Built on a foundation of integrity, trust, craftsmanship, and long‑term relationships, we have earned a reputation for delivering projects that help our clients achieve their goals while building stronger communities.

While our history reflects decades of experience and stability, our focus remains firmly on the future. We are making strategic investments in our people, processes, and preconstruction services, and we are looking for an experienced estimating professional who wants to play a meaningful role in shaping that future.

We are not simply looking to fill an estimating position; we want a construction professional who can make a meaningful impact on how projects are pursued, planned, budgeted, and delivered.

• Help establish and enhance estimating standards, systems, and best practices
• Influence the continued development of our preconstruction operations
• Work directly with company leadership on project pursuits, business development initiatives, and strategic growth opportunities
• Build strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, trade contractors, and industry partners
• Contribute to the future structure and scalability of our estimating function
• Grow professionally through increasing responsibility and leadership opportunities

As a Commercial Construction Estimator / Preconstruction Lead, you will play a critical role in both the preconstruction phase of our projects and the continued growth of Nichols Construction Team. Working closely with ownership, project management, business development, architects, engineers, strategic partners, and clients, you will guide projects from early conceptual planning through proposal development and project turnover. Estimating is far more than a numbers exercise;

it is a critical component of project planning, collaboration, risk management, and delivering value to our clients.

• Design‑Build budgeting and cost planning
• Order of Magnitude estimates
• Conceptual budgeting and feasibility studies
• Schematic Design and Design Development estimating
• Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) development
• Value engineering and cost optimization
• Competitive bid preparation and submission
• Quantity takeoffs and scope analysis
• Subcontractor solicitation and bid evaluation
• Small project proposal development

• Evaluate project risks, assumptions, and opportunities
• Prepare accurate and comprehensive estimates using drawings, specifications, historical cost data, subcontractor pricing, and market conditions
• Develop conceptual budgets during early project planning phases
• Perform quantity takeoffs, constructability reviews, and scope analysis
• Assist project teams in identifying value engineering opportunities that align budget, schedule, and project goals

• Collaborate with ownership and business development personnel to identify and pursue project opportunities
• Support proposal development, interviews, presentations, and project pursuit strategies
• Participate in project qualification reviews and bid strategy discussions
• Assist in strengthening relationships with clients, architects, engineers, and industry partners
• Engage in meaningful networking

• Help develop and implement estimating standards, workflows, templates, and best practices
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, consistency, and accuracy
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of historical cost information and estimating resources
• Assist in building scalable preconstruction processes that support future company growth

• Work closely with project managers to support a seamless transition from preconstruction to construction
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trade contractors, suppliers, clients, and design professionals
• Contribute to a culture of integrity, accountability, teamwork,…