Conceptual Estimator

Huseman Group; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

HGC Construction is seeking a Conceptual Estimator to join our preconstruction team in Cincinnati. You will help shape project feasibility with early budgets and cost models, guiding decisions before design begins.

You will collaborate with Construction Managers, clients, designers, and trade partners to ensure reliable estimates that support winning work and project success. The role emphasizes data-driven budgeting, market insights, and strong communication to align design and cost.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• 5-10 years of estimating or preconstruction experience, with emphasis on conceptual budgeting.
• Proven ability to develop reliable budgets with incomplete information across diverse market sectors.
• Deep understanding of building systems, construction means and methods, and local market conditions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with strategic and creative thinking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presenting complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in estimating software, digital databases, digital quantity takeoff software, and MS Office; BIM knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual budgets and order-of-magnitude estimates using limited design information.
• Create detailed line-item estimates based on assumed quantities and scope definitions.
• Analyze historical data, market trends, and indices to establish benchmarks.
• Build and maintain cost models through design development.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, and engineers to evaluate options and provide cost feedback.
• Support pursuit efforts with budgets for proposals, feasibility studies, and RFPs.
• Prepare variance reports and clearly define estimate inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions.

Skills

Conceptual budgeting

Cost modeling

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Bid strategy

BIM familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field

Tools

Estimating software

Digital quantity takeoff

MS Office Suite

BIM

Job description

HGC Construction is looking for a Conceptual Estimator who takes pride in insight, accuracy, and guiding projects before the first line is ever drawn. As part of our preconstruction team, you'll develop early-phase budgets and cost models that shape design decisions, influence feasibility, and build client confidence. You'll work closely with Construction Managers, clients, designers, and trade partners- combining industry knowledge, historical data, and creative problem-solving to deliver reliable estimates that help win work and set projects up for success.

A LEGACY OF BUILDING CAREERS

At HGC Construction, we are building for the long haul. Exceptional work begins with people who share our values and commitment to excellence. We recognize our employees are more than professionals- they're individuals with families, passions, and full lives outside of work. That's why we emphasize balance, supporting both professional growth and personal fulfillment. Our culture thrives on celebrating shared victories, encouraging development, and making a lasting impact on our clients and communities. At HGC Construction, we're not just building structures-we're building a legacy of quality, integrity, and purpose.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Design Phase Estimating

• Develop conceptual budgets and order-of-magnitude estimates using limited design information, narratives, or performance criteria
• Create detailed line-item estimates based on assumed quantities and scope definitions
• Analyze historical project data, market trends, and cost indices to establish accurate benchmarks
• Build and maintain cost models throughout design development to stay aligned with client budget goals
• Update and refine estimates as design progresses

Client & Design Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with clients, architects, and engineers to evaluate design options, materials, and systems
• Provide real-time cost feedback during design meetings to support informed decisions
• Support value management and life-cycle cost analysis to maximize value within budget constraints

Preconstruction & Business Development

• Support pursuit efforts by preparing budgets for CM proposals, feasibility studies, and design-build RFPs
• Participate in client meetings to clearly communicate scope, assumptions, risks, and cost drivers
• Coordinate with trade partners and internal estimators to validate assumptions and pricing strategies

Documentation & Reporting

• Develop clear Work Breakdown Structures to communicate estimate organization
• Maintain estimating databases, cost reports, pricing logs, and benchmarking data
• Clearly define estimate inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions for internal teams and clients
• Prepare variance reports tracking estimate changes through each design phase

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field
• 5-10 years of estimating or preconstruction experience, with an emphasis on conceptual budgeting
• Proven ability to develop reliable budgets with incomplete information across diverse market sectors
• Deep understanding of building systems, construction means and methods, and local market conditions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and creatively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly
• Proficiency in estimating software, digital database tools, digital quantity takeoff software, and MS Office Suite. Familiarity with BIM and model-based estimating is a plus.
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with clients, design teams, and trade partners

Huseman Group is an EOE/M/F/D/V - Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace

Huseman Group is an Equal Opportunity Employerand maintainsan Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace.

We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by law.