Estimating Manager / Senior Estimating Manager

James G. Davis Construction (DAVIS); Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid healthcare

ESOP

401(k) + annual bonuses

PTO and holidays

Flexible work arrangements

Career growth opportunities

Leadership development and mentorship

On-site fitness center

Job summary

DAVIS Construction is seeking experienced Estimating Manager and Senior Estimating Manager to lead large, complex commercial pursuits in the DMV region. You will own bid strategy, coordinate trade partners, and guide GMP development while partnering with Operations for smooth project turnover.

The role requires a proven track record in leading bids, rigorous estimating, and strong client-facing communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience leading bids, trade coordination, and bid-day activities.
• Experience preparing and managing conceptual, detailed estimates, GMPs, hard bids, and competitive pursuits.
• Strong understanding of division 2, 15, 16 and constructability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall bid strategy, planning, and assembly for large/complex pursuits.
• Develop pursuit work plans, resource needs, and ensure RFP compliance.
• Direct budgeting, estimating, GMP development, and cost planning across multiple projects.
• Lead internal bid reviews, risk analysis, constructability reviews, and VE discussions.
• Leverage cost data and market intel to improve estimating accuracy.
• Build relationships with trade partners, subcontractors, owners, and design teams.
• Present pricing strategies and recommendations to executives and clients.
• Collaborate with Operations to support turnover and buyouts.
• Provide leadership and mentorship for Estimators and Estimating Managers.
• Guide scoping, pricing strategies, risk management, and pursuit execution.

Skills

5+ years commercial construction est.

Bid leadership

Trade coordination

Cost planning

Presentation to execs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction/Architecture or related

Job description

Our client, DAVIS Construction, is seeking experienced estimating leaders for Estimating Manager and Senior Estimating Manager opportunities within its growing Preconstruction team. We are particularly interested in professionals who have led complex pursuits, served as Bid Captains, managed competitive bids and GMP development, and partnered closely with Operations to successfully win and deliver projects.

The Preconstruction team plays a critical role in shaping projects from concept through award and works closely with clients, design teams, operations leaders, trade partners, and executive leadership.

As an Estimating Manager or Senior Estimating Manager, you'll lead the overall bid process for commercial construction pursuits, manage bid strategy and execution, coordinate trade partners, and serve as a trusted advisor during estimating, GMP development, and preconstruction planning. Senior-level opportunities are available for candidates with experience leading large, complex pursuits and mentoring estimating teams.

Location

• Hybrid flexibility based on project phase, pursuit schedules, and team needs
• Collaboration across project teams throughout the DMV region

What You'll Do

• Lead the overall bid strategy, planning, and assembly for large and complex commercial construction pursuits
• Develop pursuit-specific work plans, identify required resources, and ensure compliance with RFP requirements
• Direct budgeting, estimating, GMP development, and cost planning efforts across multiple projects
• Lead internal bid reviews, risk analysis, constructability reviews, and value engineering discussions
• Leverage historical cost data and market intelligence to inform estimating decisions and improve accuracy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, and design teams
• Present pricing strategies, estimate findings, and recommendations to executive leadership and clients
• Collaborate closely with Operations to support successful project turnover and trade partner buyout efforts
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for Estimators, Senior Estimators, and Estimating Managers
• Guide teams on scoping, pricing strategies, risk management, constructability, and pursuit execution
• Support business development initiatives and help position DAVIS for future project opportunities

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
• Experience leading bids, trade coordination, and bid-day activities
• Experience preparing and managing: Conceptual estimates, Detailed estimates, GMPs, Hard bids, Competitive pursuits
• Strong understanding of Division 2 (Sitework), Division 15 (Mechanical), Division 16 (Electrical), building systems, and constructability
• Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across multiple departments
• Experience with healthcare, multifamily, commercial, institutional, mission-critical, hospitality, education, mixed-use, or similar commercial construction projects
• Leadership, mentorship, or team management experience preferred

Why DAVIS Construction

DAVIS is the largest general contractor solely serving the Mid-Atlantic and continues to grow while maintaining a highly collaborative, employee-focused culture. As a 100% employee-owned company, DAVIS offers one of the strongest total rewards packages in the region:

• 100% employer-paid healthcare (for employees and families)
• Company-funded ESOP (historically 10%+ contributions; 21% last year) + 401(k) + annual bonuses
• PTO, holidays, and flexible work arrangements
• Career growth opportunities within a growing organization
• Leadership development and mentorship programs
• On-site fitness center and wellness programs
• Collaborative culture with direct exposure to senior leadership

Salary Range

Compensation will be determined based on experience, project complexity, bid leadership experience, and placement at either the Estimating Manager or Senior Estimating Manager level.