Commercial Construction Estimator / Preconstruction Estimator

Kids for the Future; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Churchill McGee in Lexington, KY is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator / Preconstruction Estimator to join our growing team. You will evaluate opportunities, develop budgets, work with subcontractors and design teams, identify risk and value-engineering opportunities, and help position projects for successful execution.

We want someone who understands commercial construction, takes ownership, communicates well, and can deliver accurate, complete estimates.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project management or closely related construction role.
• Able to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.
• Experience with subcontractor pricing, bid comparisons and cost adjustments.
• Proficient with Excel and construction estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, addenda, scopes of work and bid documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop detailed estimates for commercial projects.
• Develop conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, hard bids and GMP pricing.
• Solicit subcontractor pricing and maintain relationships with trade partners.
• Evaluate proposals and prepare bid tabs and scope comparisons.
• Identify scope gaps and potential cost impacts.
• Develop assumptions, alternates, allowances and general conditions.
• Collaborate with project managers and field leadership on schedule, logistics and means/methods.
• Support preconstruction and owner/architect presentations as needed.
• Maintain estimating files and historical cost data.
• Participate in project handoff meetings after award.

Skills

Commercial construction estimating

Preconstruction

Project management

Reading drawings

Excel

Estimating software

Education

High school

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

PlanSwift

BuildingConnected

SmartBid

Sage

Job description

• Location 1315-C West Main Street,Lexington, KY, 40502,United States
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Contact information

Description

Churchill McGee is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator / Preconstruction Estimator to join our growing team in Lexington, Kentucky.

This is an opportunity for an estimator who wants to be involved in more than simply completing takeoffs. You will play an important role in evaluating opportunities, developing project budgets, working with subcontractors and design teams, identifying risk and value-engineering opportunities, and helping position projects for successful execution.

We are looking for someone who understands commercial construction, takes ownership of their work, communicates well, and can produce accurate, complete, and competitive estimates.

What You'll Do

Review drawings, specifications, addenda, scopes of work, and bid documents.

Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare detailed estimates for commercial construction projects.

Develop conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, hard bids, and GMP pricing.

Solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing and maintain strong relationships with our trade partners.

Evaluate proposals and prepare bid tabs and scope comparisons.

Identify scope gaps, exclusions, constructability concerns, coordination issues, and potential cost impacts.

Develop clarifications, assumptions, alternates, allowances, and general conditions.

Work closely with project managers and field leadership to evaluate schedule, logistics, labor, means and methods, and self-perform opportunities.

Participate in value engineering and identify cost-saving alternatives while protecting quality and design intent.

Support preconstruction efforts and owner/architect presentations when needed.

Maintain estimating files, historical cost information, subcontractor data, and project documentation.

Participate in project handoff meetings after award to ensure a smooth transition from estimating to operations.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates will have experience in commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, project management, or a closely related construction role.

You should be comfortable with:

Reading and interpreting architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.

Understanding commercial construction methods, materials, sequencing, and subcontractor scopes.

Preparing quantity takeoffs, estimates, budgets, and bid comparisons.

Reviewing subcontractor proposals and identifying gaps or overlaps in scope.

Managing multiple projects and bid deadlines simultaneously.

Communicating professionally with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, owners, project managers, and field personnel.

Microsoft Excel and construction estimating, takeoff, or project-management software.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is accurate, responsive, proactive, and willing to follow through on the details.

Experience We'd Especially Value

Experience with ground-up construction and renovations.

Experience with education, healthcare, institutional, industrial/warehouse, multifamily, retail, or occupied-facility projects.

Experience with negotiated projects, competitive hard bids, GMP development, and conceptual estimating.

Familiarity with Bluebeam, Procore, PlanSwift, BuildingConnected, SmartBid, Sage, or comparable construction software.

Knowledge of self-perform scopes such as demolition, concrete, masonry, carpentry, doors/frames/hardware, metal framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, specialties, and finishes.

Summary

Why Churchill McGee?

Churchill McGee is a Kentucky-based commercial general contractor serving clients throughout the region. Our team works across a diverse range of commercial markets, and we are continuing to grow our project portfolio and relationships.

At Churchill McGee, our estimators work closely with leadership, operations, owners, architects, subcontractors, and suppliers. You will have an opportunity to contribute early in the life of a project and remain connected to the team responsible for carrying it through construction.

We value people who take ownership, build relationships, solve problems, and want to grow along with the company.