Commercial Construction Project Estimator

gpac; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking a Commercial Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial construction projects. You will collaborate with project managers, subcontractors, architects and clients to develop bids aligned with budget, scope and schedule.

The role requires detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and proactive pricing while maintaining organized bid files and supporting value engineering.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of commercial construction estimating experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, and building processes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.
• Experience with estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage Estimating, or similar platforms.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred but not always required.

Responsibilities

• Review plans, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and material calculations.
• Develop accurate estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids.
• Prepare competitive bids and proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Identify project risks, exclusions, discrepancies, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Communicate with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and project teams to clarify scope and pricing.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and bid records.
• Assist with value engineering and budget development.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits when necessary.
• Track market pricing, labor costs, and material fluctuations.
• Review awarded projects during turnover to ensure the estimate accurately reflects the contracted scope.
• Support project managers with change-order pricing and cost analysis as needed.
• Ensure estimates are completed accurately and within established bid deadlines.

Skills

Quantity takeoffs

Cost estimation

Bid development

Read drawings

Vendor negotiation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

Sage Estimating

Job description

Commercial Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial construction projects. This position works closely with project managers, subcontractors, vendors, architects, and clients to develop detailed bids while ensuring projects remain aligned with budget, scope, and schedule requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Review plans, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and material calculations.
• Develop accurate estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids.
• Prepare competitive bids and proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Identify project risks, exclusions, discrepancies, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Communicate with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and project teams to clarify scope and pricing.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation and bid records.
• Assist with value engineering and budget development.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits when necessary.
• Track market pricing, labor costs, and material fluctuations.
• Review awarded projects during turnover to ensure the estimate accurately reflects the contracted scope.
• Support project managers with change-order pricing and cost analysis as needed.
• Ensure estimates are completed accurately and within established bid deadlines.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of commercial construction estimating experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, and building processes.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.
• Experience with construction estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage Estimating, or similar platforms.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred but not always required.

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.