Construction Estimator – Project Manager

Jobtailor; Maine; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Maine seeks an experienced Construction Estimator/Project Manager to drive accurate cost estimates and successful project delivery. You will perform quantity takeoffs, analyze drawings, and present bids to leadership and clients while leading value engineering and procurement efforts.

A 5–10 year track record in retail, commercial, healthcare, and residential projects is required, with proficiency in Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst, HCSS, MS Project, and Primavera P6.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Quantity Surveying.
• 5–10 years of progressive estimating/project management experience.
• Experience with mid-to-large retail, commercial, healthcare, and residential projects.
• Ability to read drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience with estimating software and scheduling tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform thorough quantity takeoffs and develop detailed, accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions across all project phases.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, addenda, and project requirements to identify scope, constructability concerns, and cost drivers.
• Prepare and present conceptual, schematic, and hard-bid estimates to internal leadership and clients.
• Lead value engineering sessions with project teams and design professionals to optimize project costs while maintaining design intent.
• Manage and coordinate assigned construction projects from pre-construction through closeout, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, logistics plans, scopes of work, and procurement strategies.
• Review and negotiate subcontracts and purchase orders.
• Maintain an up-to-date directory of qualified trade partners, vendors, and subcontractors.

Skills

Project management

Cost estimation

Communication

Negotiation

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

ProEst

HCSS

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

Responsibilities

• Perform thorough quantity takeoffs and develop detailed, accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions across all project phases
• Analyze architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, addenda, and project requirements to identify scope, constructability concerns, and cost drivers
• Prepare and present conceptual, schematic, and hard‑bid estimates to internal leadership and clients
• Solve, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids to ensure competitive and complete pricing
• Lead value engineering sessions with project teams and design professionals, analyzing alternative materials, systems, and construction methods to optimize project costs while maintaining design intent, performance standards, and owner expectations
• Identify additional value engineering opportunities and propose alternatives that reduce cost without compromising quality or intent
• Flag scope gaps, ambiguities, exclusions, and potential risks early in the estimating process
• Maintain and continuously improve estimating databases, templates, historical cost data, and unit pricing
• Develop and maintain proposed project schedules
• Manage and coordinate assigned construction projects from pre‑construction through closeout, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification
• Develop and maintain project schedules, logistics plans, scopes of work, and procurement strategies
• Lead project meetings and coordinate with architects, engineers, owners, subcontractors, and internal teams
• Prepare and manage project budgets, change orders, and monthly cost reporting
• Monitor project progress against baseline schedules and budgets, proactively addressing variances
• Review and negotiate subcontracts and purchase orders
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals
• Support business development efforts through accurate and timely bid submissions
• Represent the company professionally in bid presentations, interviews, and client meetings
• Maintain an up‑to‑date directory of qualified trade partners, vendors, and subcontractors

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a closely related field
• Minimum 5–10 years of progressive experience in construction estimating and/or project management, with a strong pre‑construction background
• Demonstrated success estimating and managing medium‑to‑large‑scale retail, commercial, healthcare, and residential projects, with an understanding of the unique code requirements, regulatory standards, and construction complexities specific to each sector
• Advanced ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, means, sequencing, and current market pricing
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst, HCSS, or similar), scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6), and the Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment