Estimator, Construction, Operations Manager

Construction Estimator – Luxury High-End Custom Homes

Our Client | Wilmette, IL

Our client, a nationally recognized luxury home design-build firm, is seeking an exceptional Construction Estimator who operates at the highest level of professionalism, technical competency, and ownership. This is a high-impact role requiring someone who can step in quickly, take full ownership without constant oversight, and execute with precision in a demanding, detail-oriented environment.

This is not an entry-level or developmental position. We are seeking a seasoned professional with demonstrated maturity, polish, and the ability to thrive in a high-performance culture where excellence is non-negotiable.

• Work with a premier luxury home builder known for excellence and innovation
• Competitive salary
• Opportunity for professional growth and career advancement
• Collaborative and supportive team culture
• Exposure to some of the most stunning and prestigious residential projects in the country

This role requires exceptional communication skills, true ownership mentality, high-level preparation and presence, and technical mastery—not just familiarity, but deep expertise in high-end residential estimating.

• Minimum 5-7 years of construction estimating experience in luxury/high-end custom residential construction (this is not a 3-year role)
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-million-dollar custom home projects from conception through contract execution
• Deep knowledge of construction cost accounting, risk analysis, value engineering, and sophisticated estimation methodologies
• Advanced proficiency in construction estimating software and project management systems

• Self-directed and highly accountable – you anticipate needs, solve problems independently, and take full ownership of outcomes
• Strategic thinker who operates proactively, not reactively, with minimal oversight
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills managing multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously

• Executive-level communication skills – polished, articulate, and confident in client-facing and executive interactions
• Professional presence suitable for high-net-worth client interactions and executive presentations
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, accessible proposals

• High emotional intelligence and maturity – calm under pressure, adaptable, and solution-focused
• Aligned with a culture of excellence, integrity, and meticulous craftsmanship
• Detail-obsessed with unwavering commitment to accuracy and quality

• Develop comprehensive preliminary cost estimates and establish accurate budget expectations during pre-construction phases
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Architecture to align innovative design features with client budgetary goals
• Maintain and continuously analyze project cost databases to refine estimation accuracy
• Own the competitive bidding process end-to-end – soliciting, reviewing, and analyzing subcontractor and vendor quotes for accuracy, completeness, and fairness
• Lead sophisticated subcontractor and vendor negotiations to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards
• Prepare and present detailed, professional project proposals through the online project management system, ensuring internal approvals from executive leadership
• Conduct follow-up discussions with high-net-worth clients to clarify proposals, answer sophisticated questions, and refine pricing to support contract execution
• Partner with the Vice Presidents of Construction and Operations to cultivate strong subcontractor and vendor relationships
• Lead project purchasing activities with unwavering focus on quality alignment, scheduling precision, and profitability targets

Perform additional duties as needed to support the success of high-end residential projects

• Competitive salary commensurate with your high level of experience and expertise
• Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for professional growth and career advancement

Collaborative and supportive team culture

Exposure to some of the most stunning and prestigious residential projects in the country

We are committed to a thorough, quality-focused search process. We are seeking one exceptional professional who meets these exacting standards—not volume, but precision in fit.

If you are a high-caliber estimator who operates with ownership, professionalism, and technical mastery, and you're ready to contribute to building extraordinary homes with a team that demands excellence,
apply today and become part of a team that builds extraordinary homes with precision, integrity, and excellence.