Construction Estimator

Lucid Search Group; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucid Search Group seeks a Lead/Senior Estimator in Phoenix to own preconstruction for a growing multifamily portfolio. You will guide estimates from first look to final bid, set bid strategy, and influence project selection and pricing.

The role requires 5+ years in construction estimating with multifamily experience. You will partner with PM, Operations, Finance, and BD to drive profitable, well-supported bids.

Qualifications

• When applying, candidates must have 5+ years of multifamily construction estimating experience.
• Ability to manage estimates from initial review through final bid independently.
• Strong understanding of means, methods, sequencing and subcontractor pricing.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimates from conceptual to final bid and handoff.
• Develop bid strategies and competitive project budgets.
• Review plans, specs, and addenda; perform quantity takeoffs and cost estimation.
• Negotiate subcontractor and vendor proposals; identify risk and cost exposure.
• Mentor junior estimators and collaborate with PM, Ops, BD, and finance.

Skills

Estimating (multifamily)

Bid development

Subcontractor negotiation

Preconstruction leadership

Plan reading

Cost estimation

Risk assessment

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

PlanSwift

MS Excel

Job description

Location: Phoenix, AZ (on-site / hybrid)

Reports To: Regional Vice President

About the Opportunity

A well-established general contractor with a strong multifamily portfolio is expanding its Phoenix operation and hiring a Lead / Senior Estimator to take ownership of preconstruction in this market.

This is not a support role. You will lead estimates from first look through final bid and handoff, set bid strategy, and have real influence over which projects the company pursues and how they're priced. The company is actively diversifying beyond multifamily, and this estimator will help drive that expansion.

Client name withheld — happy to share details with qualified candidates in confidence.

What You'll Own

• Lead estimates from conceptual and schematic design through final construction documents
• Review plans, specs, drawings, scopes of work, and addenda
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs; build labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions estimates
• Develop competitive project budgets and bid proposals
• Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, exclusions, and cost exposure before they become problems
• Build bid strategy around project requirements, market conditions, competition, and schedule
• Solicit, level, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor proposals
• Evaluate alternate means and methods; identify value-engineering opportunities
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and owner meetings
• Prepare clear bid documentation for leadership review

Growth & Market Diversification

• Partner with business development and executive leadership on new opportunity evaluation
• Help identify and pursue work beyond the company's traditional multifamily base
• Research construction costs, labor availability, and subcontractor capacity in emerging markets
• Build the subcontractor relationships and estimating processes that support sustainable growth

Leadership

• Serve as the senior technical resource in preconstruction
• Lead complex bids independently and with full accountability
• Mentor junior and intermediate estimators
• Collaborate across Project Management, Operations, Business Development, Finance, and Safety
• Establish consistent estimating standards, templates, and procedures
• Lead project turnover meetings for a clean estimating-to-operations transition

What You Need

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience with a multifamily background — this is required
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage estimates from initial review through final bid
• Strong command of construction means, methods, sequencing, and subcontractor pricing
• Extensive experience reading and interpreting plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Strong quantity takeoff and cost-estimating skills
• Experience with subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, scope analysis, and negotiation
• Ability to spot project risk, scope gaps, and cost exposure early
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Proven track record of accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or equivalent industry experience
• Estimating experience in sectors beyond multifamily — commercial, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, retail, mixed-use
• Value engineering and preconstruction services experience
• Established subcontractor and vendor relationships in the Phoenix market
• Experience helping a contractor enter a new market or project type