Construction Estimator

LeoForce; Blue Island (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

LeoForce is seeking a mid-level Estimator to join our Midwest construction team in Blue Island, IL. You will develop detailed cost estimates for commercial, healthcare, and food-service projects, perform quantity takeoffs, and coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors.

This role requires 3+ years of estimating experience, a bachelor’s degree in CM/CE/Architecture or equivalent, proficiency with takeoff and estimating software, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in construction estimating.
• 3+ years estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Proficiency with takeoff software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication and collaboration with design teams and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for commercial, healthcare, and food-service projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs from architectural, structural, mechanical, and civil plans.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to collect pricing.
• Conduct constructability reviews and value-engineering to optimize costs.
• Build and maintain unit and historical cost databases.
• Participate in bid solicitation: prepare bid packages and evaluate bids.
• Present estimating deliverables to leadership and project teams.
• Monitor subcontractor trends and market pricing.
• Collaborate with project management, business development, and operations on cost forecasting.
• Support post-bid activities: buyout, VE sessions, cost reconciliation.

Skills

Estimating

Excel proficiency

Communication

Time management

Collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Or equivalent experience

Tools

Takeoff software

Job description

Blue Island,IL, US

Job Description

Experience: Mid Level

Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 per year

Job Details

What You’ll Do:

• Develop detailed cost estimates (conceptual, schematic, design development, bid) for commercial, healthcare, and food-service construction projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs from architectural, structural, mechanical, and civil plans
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors to collect pricing, validate assumptions, and refine cost models
• Conduct constructability reviews and value-engineering exercises to optimize design and align cost with client goals
• Build and maintain a unit cost database and historical cost database for use in future estimates
• Participate in bid solicitation: prepare bid packages, issue scopes to subcontractors, evaluate bids, and analyze trade submissions
• Present estimating deliverables to leadership and project teams, and make recommendations based on cost risk and opportunity
• Monitor subcontractor trends, market pricing, and material lead-times
• Collaborate closely with project management, business development, and operations to align cost forecasting, scheduling, and risk management
• Support post-bid activities: take part in buyout, value-engineering sessions, and cost reconciliation

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of estimating experience (commercial construction preferred)
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and systems
• Proficiency in takeoff and estimating software (or demonstrated ability to learn quickly)
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (e.g., cost modeling, pivot tables)
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to collaborate with design teams, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Willingness to travel locally to job sites, as necessary

A bit about us:

We are a well-established construction firm with over four decades of experience serving the Midwest. Our work spans commercial, healthcare, and food manufacturing sectors, and we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, design-driven, cost-efficient projects. Our core values include integrity, transparency, collaboration, and a relentless focus on results and safety

Why join us?

• Broad Project Types: Opportunities to estimate across different project sectors (commercial, healthcare, food manufacturing).
• Professional Growth: Work on all phases of preconstruction—from conceptual budgeting through bidding and value engineering.
• Collaborative Culture: A team-first, transparent environment that values accountability, integrity, and perseverance.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Track Record & Stability: A long-standing presence in the Greater Chicago construction market with a reputation for quality and client satisfaction.

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