Construction Estimator

CMC Development & Construction; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CMC Development & Construction is seeking an Experienced Construction Estimator to lead the full estimating lifecycle for commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects in Houston. You will work with project teams, owners, and subcontractors to develop accurate, competitive bids and profitable GMP or lump-sum submissions.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of GC estimating, read full sets, and are proficient with Bluebeam, ProCore, Sage Estimating, and OST; you will mentor junior staff and help

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience with a general contractor (commercial, industrial, or mixed-use preferred)
• Experience estimating projects ranging from $1M–$10M+
• Proficiency in estimating software: Bluebeam, ProCore, Sage Estimating, On-Screen Takeoff or equivalent
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, materials, and market pricing
• Ability to read and interpret full construction document sets (architectural, structural, civil, MEP)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present estimates confidently to clients and executives
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple bids under deadline

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural, structural, MEP, and civil drawings
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids; identify scope gaps and risks
• Develop and maintain scope sheets, bid packages, and project-specific assumptions
• Analyze historical cost data and market conditions to ensure competitive pricing
• Prepare bid documents, cover letters, and value engineering for client submission
• Collaborate with project management for handoff and buyout alignment
• Present estimates to ownership, clients, and design teams
• Develop relationships with subcontractor networks to ensure bid coverage
• Partner with leadership on go/no-go decisions and pursuit strategy
• Maintain estimating files, bid logs, and historical cost databases
• Track bid results and estimate-to-actual performance
• Contribute to standards, templates, and best practices
• Support junior estimating staff and field leaders

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Degree in Construction Management / Engineering

Tools

Bluebeam

ProCore

Sage Estimating

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

About CMC Development & Construction

CMC Development & Construction is a general contracting firm with an unwavering commitment to disciplined execution, integrity, and the people who power our projects. We build more than structures — we build careers, communities, and lasting client relationships.

Position Overview

The Experienced Construction Estimator is a critical pre-construction leader responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable project estimates across CMC's portfolio of commercial, industrial, and general contracting work. This role owns the full estimating lifecycle — from initial bid review through final GMP or lump-sum submission — and partners closely with project management, ownership, and subcontractor networks to position CMC competitively in the market.

Responsibilities

Pre-Construction & Estimating

• Lead end-to-end development of conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates for commercial and construction projects
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural, structural, MEP, and civil drawings using industry-standard tools
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids; identify scope gaps, exclusions, and risks
• Develop and maintain comprehensive scope sheets, bid packages, and project-specific assumptions/clarifications
• Analyze historical cost data, market conditions, and project-specific variables to ensure competitive and profitable pricing
• Prepare bid documents, cover letters, executive summaries, and value engineering alternatives for client submission

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with the project management team to ensure smooth pre-construction-to-construction handoff and buyout alignment
• Present estimates and pre-construction findings clearly to ownership, clients, and design teams
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractor and supplier communities to ensure reliable bid coverage
• Partner with the President and VP of Operations on go/no-go decisions and pursuit strategy

Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain organized estimating files, bid logs, and historical cost databases
• Track bid results, win rates, and estimate-to-actual performance to improve future accuracy
• Contribute to the development of estimating standards, templates, and best practices as CMC scales
• Support development of junior estimating staff and field leaders in pre-construction awareness

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience with a general contractor (commercial, industrial, or mixed-use preferred)
• Demonstrated experience estimating projects ranging from $1M–$10M+
• Proficiency in estimating software (Bluebeam, ProCore, Sage Estimating, On-Screen Takeoff, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, materials, and market pricing
• Proven ability to read and interpret full construction document sets (architectural, structural, civil, MEP)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present estimates confidently to clients and executives
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously under deadline
• Integrity-first mindset aligned with CMC's values and culture

Preferred

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent field experience)
• Experience with ProCore, Sage 300/Timberline, or similar construction ERP platforms
• LEED, DBIA, or other professional certifications
• Experience in value engineering, constructability reviews, and design-assist delivery methods
• Network of established subcontractor and supplier relationships in the region