Cost Estimator

Morgan Construction Management; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus eligibility

401(k) matching

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Ins

Job summary

Morgan Construction Management is seeking a skilled Cost Estimator in Philadelphia to prepare accurate cost estimates for construction, engineering, or project-based work. You will review drawings, specifications, and contracts to determine labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs, supporting budgeting and bidding processes.

Responsibilities include developing quantity takeoffs, analyzing cost risks, obtaining vendor pricing, and preparing bid packages with management in mind.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Strong math, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Experience with estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, RSMeans, Procore, Togal.AI or similar.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates for assigned projects.
• Review project drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and contract documents.
• Develop quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and contracted work.
• Analyze cost risks, exclusions, assumptions, and opportunities for savings.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor, supplier, and contractor pricing.
• Prepare bid packages, estimate summaries, and cost reports for management review.
• Track and compare estimated costs against project budgets and actual costs.
• Assist with value engineering and cost-saving recommendations.
• Review change orders and support cost impact analysis during construction or project execution.

Skills

Math

Analytical

Organizational skills

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

RSMeans

Procore

Togal.AI

Job description

Morgan Construction Management (MCM) provides exceptional construction project management services to our clients in various markets that comprise of government, transportation, educational and religious institutions, housing and commercial. Since 2011, MCM serves its clients in the private and public sectors. MCM manages all phases of projects from programming to implementation and from pre-construction to post construction.

Job Summary

MCM is seeking a skilled and detail-orientedCost Estimatorwith extensive knowledge inlarge scale construction projectsto prepare accurate cost estimates for construction, engineering, or project-based work for our client’s team in Philadelphia. The Cost Estimator will review drawings, specifications, proposals, and project documents to determine labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs. This role supports budgeting, bidding, cost control, and project planning to help ensure projects are completed

Essential responsibilities will include the following:

• Prepare conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates for assigned projects.
• Review project drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and contract documents.
• Develop quantity takeoffs for materials, labor, equipment, and contracted work.
• Analyze project requirements to identify cost risks, exclusions, assumptions, and opportunities for savings.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor, supplier, and contractor pricing.
• Prepare bid packages, estimate summaries, and cost reports for management review.
• Track and compare estimated costs against project budgets and actual costs.
• Assist with value engineering and cost-saving recommendations.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project coordination meetings.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost data, and pricing information.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, architects, contractors, and clients as needed.
• Review change orders and support cost impact analysis during construction or project execution.

Additional Functions including the following:

• Develop and prepare pre-design conceptual budget estimates, as well as detailed cost estimates during the Design Development and Construction Document phases.
• Establish and maintain document, data, and communication tracking and filing systems to support effective claims avoidance.
• Review project documents and drawings to confirm that the design aligns with the approved program requirements and construction budget.
• Perform constructability reviews of drawings, specifications, and addenda to identify potential issues, conflicts, or cost impacts.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, bid openings, and low-bidder de-scope meetings, and provide contract award recommendations to the Contracts Manager.
• Prepare detailed fair-price estimates for change orders and support negotiations with contractors. Review and reconcile proposed change order costs submitted by the contractor, Architect, and/or Construction Manager, and provide clear justifications and recommendations to the client.
• Review change orders for various construction contracts, including new construction and major or minor renovation projects. Prepare cost and schedule impact analyses and provide well-supported recommendations to the client.
• Evaluate contractor disputes and claims to determine their merit, justification, and potential cost and schedule impacts. Provide recommendations to the client’s Project Manager, including whether to accept, deny, or approve with exceptions.
• Assist in negotiations with contractors regarding disputes and claims to help achieve fair, timely, and reasonable settlements.
• Provide timely review and analysis of all change orders, disputes, claims, and contract modifications to help avoid delays to project schedules, deliverables, and decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilitiesas follows:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, labor, and equipment costs.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Strong math, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of construction codes, industry standards, and contract requirements.
• Experience preparing estimates for commercial, civil, or industrial projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with estimating software such as Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, RSMeans, Procore, Togal.AI or similar estimating tools.

Why Join Us?

At Morgan Construction Management, we value our employees and provide opportunities for professional growth and development. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a supportive work environment. Join our team and contribute to exciting projects that shape the built environment!

Morgan Construction Management is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We offer

• Starting salary range of $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Annual bonus eligibility based on company success.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 3% company match.
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.