Construction Estimator – Industrial

Software Placement Group; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 64,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

Up to 3% retirement contribution

Vacation and sick time

Job summary

Software Placement Group in Columbus, OH is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator with a background in the industrial market to join its preconstruction team. This role works with design and engineering professionals from early design development through project completion, ensuring accurate budgeting and successful delivery.

You will read blueprints and specs, prepare budgets for schematic designs, maintain bid libraries, and coordinate pre-bid meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction, or similar; or 3–7+ years estimation experience.
• Ability to read specs and plans with thorough knowledge.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and math skills.

Responsibilities

• Read blueprints and technical docs to determine bid scope and estimates.
• Prepare preliminary budgets for schematic and progress designs.
• Maintain bid libraries and coordinate pre-bid meetings.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors throughout projects.
• Identify cost-saving options and present budgets to supervisors.
• Monitor safety codes and site regulations relevant to estimates.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Budgeting

Cost estimation

Reading specs

Multiple task handling

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture or construction

3+ to 7+ years estimation experience

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Location: Columbus, OH | Schedule: Full-time, on-site, Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm with some overtime as needed | Compensation: $64,000+, up to $100,000 for senior level

Overview

A leading design-build general contractor based in north Columbus is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator, preferably with a background in the industrial market, to join its preconstruction team. This role works closely with internal and external design and engineering professionals from early design development through project completion, playing a key part in accurate budgeting and successful project delivery.

What you'll do

• Accurately read blueprints, specifications, and other technical documents to understand scope of work for bid preparation and estimates
• Stay current on safety codes and construction improvements
• Navigate and understand building codes and other site-related codes and regulations
• Prepare preliminary budget forecasts on schematic or progress designs for preconstruction teams
• Work closely with architects and other internal and external professionals throughout projects
• Maintain an up-to-date library of bids, engineering firms, trade contractors/suppliers, and material/equipment catalogues
• Coordinate and conduct contractor pre-bid meetings onsite or online
• Maintain close communication with key contractors/bidders during bids and construction
• Prepare bid documents for construction projects with the preconstruction design team and external engineers
• Evaluate offers to purchase based on site requirements, additions, and costing changes
• Resolve cost differences by analyzing and collecting information
• Identify possible value engineering and cost-saving options
• Write and present budgets, reports, and project plans for supervisor review
• Schedule meetings with clients, site managers, and staff as required
• Process paperwork and travel to building sites as required
• Monitor construction processes

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction, or a similar field from an accredited college or university, or a minimum of 3 or 7+ years of construction estimation experience with an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to navigate specifications and plans with thorough knowledge
• Proficiency in demonstrating proposals and projects
• Ability to handle multiple assignments at once
• Knowledge of the latest building codes and site-related codes and regulations
• Close attention to detail
• Strong and effective negotiation skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to read and understand information in memoranda, reports, and bulletins effectively
• Ability to operate computers and other business machines with speed and accuracy
• Math skills including algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic for takeoffs, estimates, and cost analysis
• Strong time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Physically able to walk construction sites from one end to the other and gather information needed for estimation
• Ability to bend, twist, and reach
• Far vision at 20 feet or further; near vision at 20 inches or less
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds or less
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, and stoop
• Ability to talk and hear, including phone use
• Hold a valid driver's license
• Eligibility to work in the United States required; sponsorship unavailable

Preferred qualifications

• Experience within the industrial construction market preferred

Compensation and benefits

• Salary of $64,000+ and up to $100,000 for senior-level candidates
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Up to 3% retirement contribution
• Vacation and sick time

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with design and engineering teams on projects from early development through completion, with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement contributions.