Construction Estimator

Reliance One, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Reliance One, Inc. is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator to lead full-cycle estimating for ground-up commercial projects. The candidate will develop detailed estimates across trades, manage multiple bids, and collaborate with Project Managers through preconstruction and handoff.

Residential or single-trade experience will not qualify. Required five years of ground-up estimating, proficiency with Bluebeam, and strong Excel and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Ground-up commercial construction estimating experience required.
• Full-cycle estimating from scope review to handoff.
• Ability to manage multiple bids concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, negotiated, and competitive bid estimates for ground-up commercial projects.
• Manage estimating process from review to bid submission and handoff.
• Analyze drawings and specs to determine full project scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and price labor, materials, equipment, and GC.
• Read and interpret multi-discipline drawings (architectural, structural, MEP).
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor bids, level bids for comparison.
• Maintain bid schedules and ensure coverage across trades.
• Identify scope gaps, cost risks, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and visit sites as needed.
• Collaborate with PMs and team during preconstruction and planning.

Skills

Ground-up estimating

Full-cycle estimating

Bid management

Communication

Organizational skills

Tools

Bluebeam

Microsoft Excel

Procore

Job description

• Reliance One, Inc. is hiring an experienced Construction Estimator for one of our established clients in the commercial construction industry.
• This position will manage full-cycle estimating for ground-up commercial construction projects, from initial concept and scope review through final bid submission and project handoff. The ideal candidate has extensive experience developing detailed estimates across multiple construction trades and can independently manage several active bids.
• Candidates must have ground-up commercial construction estimating experience. Residential-only and single-trade estimating backgrounds will not meet the requirements for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, negotiated, and competitive bid estimates for ground-up commercial construction projects.
• Manage the estimating process from initial project review through final pricing, bid submission, and handoff.
• Analyze construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and supporting documents to determine the complete project scope.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and general conditions.
• Read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other trade drawings.
• Solicit subcontractor and vendor bids, evaluate proposals, identify exclusions, and level bids for accurate comparison.
• Maintain bid schedules and ensure complete subcontractor coverage across all required trades.
• Identify potential scope gaps, cost risks, scheduling concerns, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and visit project sites as needed to evaluate existing conditions.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and other team members during preconstruction and project-planning activities.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and material suppliers.
• Follow established bidding procedures, estimating standards, and quality-control requirements.
• Manage multiple estimates simultaneously, typically supporting two to three or more projects at a time.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of estimating experience involving ground-up commercial construction projects.
• Full-cycle project estimating experience, from initial scope review through final bid and project handoff.
• Proven ability to independently prepare detailed, complete, and accurate construction estimates.
• Strong experience with Bluebeam for takeoffs, document review, and bid preparation.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, templates, and data organization.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications across multiple trades.
• Experience preparing quantity takeoffs and pricing labor, materials, equipment, and general conditions.
• Experience soliciting, evaluating, comparing, and leveling subcontractor and vendor bids.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and estimates.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Estimating experience involving healthcare, public works, or multifamily construction projects.
• Familiarity with Procore or similar construction-management software.
• Experience supporting preconstruction planning and value-engineering initiatives.
• Established relationships within the commercial subcontractor and supplier community.

Applicants with only residential estimating experience will not be considered. Candidates whose experience is limited to one specific trade—such as roofing, plumbing, concrete, or electrical—will also not qualify. This position requires comprehensive estimating experience across multiple trades for complete, ground-up commercial construction projects.

Reliance One, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex—including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity—national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.