Construction Estimator

Blueprint Search Group; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Blueprint Search Group in Cincinnati is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to lead preconstruction and develop estimates from concept to GMP pricing for commercial projects. This role will own takeoffs, bid analysis, VE options, and turnover packages, coordinating with subs and project teams to ensure competitive pricing and clear documentation.

You will manage detailed quantity takeoffs, develop complete estimates, solicit bids, and support VE studies to drive value while

Qualifications

• Prepare conceptual to construction document estimates across CSI Divisions 02–33.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP scopes.
• Solicit bids from subcontractors and suppliers and ensure adequate trade coverage.
• Document assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, and potential project risks.

Responsibilities

• Develop complete estimates and bid tabs for projects.
• Lead the preconstruction estimate through turnover to operations.
• Coordinate with subcontractors to clarify scopes and pricing.
• Support schedule-based estimating and sequencing.
• Participate in owner/architect/engineer/preconstruction meetings.

Skills

Commercial construction estimating

Quantity takeoffs

Bid solicitation & evaluation

Excel proficiency

MEP knowledge

Tools

Autodesk Forma

ProEst

Autodesk Construction Cloud

BIM platforms

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Commercial Construction Estimator

Job Type: Full-Time

Experience: 5+ Years Commercial Construction Estimating

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to join a growing

general contractor and play a key role in the preconstruction process.

This position will be responsible for developing estimates from early conceptual

budgeting through detailed construction documents and GMP pricing. Projects include

commercial renovations, tenant improvements, site and civil work, structural packages,

and MEP-intensive construction.

The ideal candidate has 5–10 years of estimating experience with a commercial general

contractor and is comfortable owning an estimate from initial takeoff through

subcontractor bidding, scope leveling, value engineering, final pricing, and turnover to

the construction team.

What You'll Do

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, construction document,
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP scopes
• Develop complete estimates across CSI Divisions 02–33
• Solicit bids from subcontractors and suppliers and ensure adequate trade coverage
• Review and level subcontractor proposals to identify exclusions, overlaps, and scope gaps
• Develop estimate summaries, bid tabs, schedules of values, and supporting documentation
• Clearly document assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, and potential project risks
• Identify missing or unresolved scope early in the preconstruction process
• Develop value-engineering alternatives and pricing options
• Maintain cost databases, historical pricing, unit costs, and estimating assemblies
• Assist with schedule-based estimating and construction sequencing
• Participate in owner, architect, engineer, and preconstruction meetings
• Work with subcontractors to clarify scopes and negotiate competitive pricing
• Support project buyout and provide recommendations to the construction team
• Lead the commercial and estimating portion of project turnover from preconstruction to operations
• Provide final estimates, SOVs, bid tabs, subcontractor quotes, accepted VE items, clarifications, and buyout recommendations during turnover

What We're Looking For

• 5–10 years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor or similar organization
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and sequencing
• Experience estimating across CSI Divisions 02–33
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) scopes
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, and leveling subcontractor bids
• Ability to identify scope gaps and potential pricing risks before construction
• Strong bid-day organization and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Understanding of building codes, permitting, and commercial construction requirements
• Strong Excel skills and experience with construction estimating software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with subcontractors, owners, design teams, and internal project teams

Software Experience

Experience with the following is a plus:

• Autodesk Forma
• ProEst
• Microsoft Excel – advanced proficiency
• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
• BIM platforms
• Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance