Commercial Construction Estimator

gpac; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

GPAC is seeking an experienced Estimator to join a well-established commercial general contractor. This role supports Healthcare, Industrial, K-12, Higher Education, Municipal, and other commercial projects, guiding estimates from early design through final construction documents.

Qualified candidates have 5+ years in commercial estimating, strong knowledge of means/methods, and proficiency with Excel, MS Project, Procore, and takeoff tools. On-Screen Takeoff experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Experience estimating large commercial and/or industrial projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, cost estimating, scheduling, and project sequencing.
• Experience with estimating and takeoff software; On-Screen Takeoff experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, and Procore.
• Strong subcontractor relationships and bid analysis/negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed project estimates from conceptual and schematic design through construction documents.
• Prepare estimates for design-build, hard-bid, and Construction Management projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, and equipment pricing.
• Lead bid preparation and subcontractor/vendor solicitation.
• Analyze and level subcontractor bids and negotiate final pricing.
• Develop pricing for self-performed work.
• Assist with project schedules and constructability considerations.
• Prepare cost studies, trend estimates, and value analysis.
• Present estimates and recommendations to leadership and clients.
• Mentor and support other members of the estimating team.

Skills

Estimating experience

Preconstruction

Bid analysis

Takeoffs

Subcontractor relations

Scheduling

Education

Construction Management or Engineering degree

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Excel

Microsoft Project

Procore

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Estimator to join a well-established and growing commercial general contractor. This position will play a key role in estimating and preconstruction efforts across a diverse portfolio of Healthcare, Industrial, K-12, Higher Education, Municipal, and other commercial projects. The ideal candidate brings strong commercial construction estimating experience, understands multiple project delivery methods, and can confidently develop accurate estimates from early conceptual design through final construction documents.

Estimator Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed project estimates from conceptual and schematic design through construction documents
• Prepare estimates for design-build, hard-bid, and Construction Management projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, and equipment pricing
• Lead bid preparation and subcontractor/vendor solicitation
• Analyze and level subcontractor bids and negotiate final pricing
• Develop pricing for self-performed work
• Assist with project schedules and constructability considerations
• Prepare cost studies, trend estimates, and value analysis
• Present estimates and recommendations to leadership and clients
• Mentor and support other members of the estimating team

Estimator Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience
• Experience estimating large commercial and/or industrial projects
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, cost estimating, scheduling, and project sequencing
• Experience with estimating and takeoff software; On-Screen Takeoff experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, and Procore
• Strong subcontractor relationships and bid analysis/negotiation skills
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.