Estimator

Cityscape Recruitment USA; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Cityscape Recruitment USA seeks an experienced Estimator for a well-established General Contractor in Washington, DC. This role leads preconstruction, budgeting, and bid management across multiple projects from concept to startup.

The position requires collaboration with owners, design teams, subcontractors, and vendors to develop competitive proposals. You will analyze drawings, specs, and scopes to price accurately and manage risk.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in construction estimating or preconstruction.
• Experience in commercial and/or multifamily construction.
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of drawings, specifications, scopes, and pricing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong subcontractor, vendor, client, and design consultant relationships.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and time management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Primavera P6 or MS Project preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing within a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual budgets from schematic drawings and early-stage information.
• Evaluate pricing, scopes, drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Develop complete and accurate estimates; identify gaps or risks.
• Price and propose value engineering alternatives.
• Coordinate with owners and design teams on scope changes and costs.
• Manage multiple bids and meet deadlines; review bid documentation.
• Prepare subcontractor scope sheets; solicit competitive pricing.
• Develop bid sheets and schedules of values.
• Prepare comprehensive RFP responses and client proposals.
• Support preconstruction and project startup activities.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Bid management

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

About the Company

A well-established and highly respected General Contractor is seeking an experienced Estimator to join their growing team in Washington, DC. With over 25 years of experience building and transforming Washington, DC, the company has developed an impressive portfolio of projects throughout the city. From historic restoration and complex renovations to high-rise multifamily and commercial construction, their work has helped shape the DC skyline and surrounding communities. The company prides itself on delivering high-quality projects while building strong, long-term relationships with owners, subcontractors, vendors, architects, and design teams. This is a collaborative environment where employees are given the opportunity to take ownership of their work, contribute to major projects, and develop their careers within an established and growing contractor.

About the Role

As an Estimator, you will play a key role in the preconstruction and business development process, managing multiple bids simultaneously and producing accurate, comprehensive, and competitive estimates. You will work closely with owners, design teams, subcontractors, vendors, and internal project teams, helping develop projects from early conceptual budgets through final proposals and project startup.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Budgeting & Estimating

• Preparing conceptual budgets based on schematic drawings and early-stage project information
• Evaluating pricing, scopes of work, drawings, specifications, and project requirement
• Developing complete and accurate estimates while identifying potential gaps or risks
• Pricing and proposing value engineering alternatives to help clients meet their budgets
• Coordinating with owners and design teams regarding scope changes and their impact on project costs

Bid Management

• Managing multiple bids simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines
• Organising and reviewing drawings, specifications, reports, and other bid documentation
• Identifying incomplete areas of bid documents and assisting with project allowances
• Preparing subcontractor scope sheets and soliciting competitive subcontractor and vendor pricing
• Ensuring adequate trade coverage and developing strong subcontractor relationships
• Expanding the company's bidder pool by developing relationships with new subcontractors and vendors
• Attending pre-bid meetings and job site walk-throughs
• Developing bid sheets and schedules of values

Client Proposals & RFPs

• Preparing comprehensive RFP responses and client proposals
• Supporting presentations and client meetings when requires
• Developing baseline and summary-level project schedules in support of proposals

Preconstruction & Project Startup

• Supporting preparation of prime contracts and project exhibits
• Assisting with schedules of values, qualifications, clarifications, and project schedules
• Supporting purchasing of early and key subcontracts
• Managing preconstruction activities and assisting with project startup
• Supporting permitting, project kick-off meetings, and other startup activities
• Assisting project teams with change order pricing on major scope changes

About the Requirements

• 5+ years of construction estimating or preconstruction experience
• Commercial and/or multifamily construction experience strongly preferred
• Experience managing multiple bids simultaneously
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, scopes, and pricing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong subcontractor, vendor, client, and design consultant relationship-building skill
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and time management
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Experience with Primavera P6 or MS Project preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team

Why Apply?

• Join a contractor with 25+ years of experience building Washington, DC
• Work on a diverse portfolio including historic restoration, high-rise multifamily, commercial, and complex renovation projects
• Opportunity to be involved from conceptual budgeting through project startup
• Manage multiple high-profile bids and have direct influence over project strategy
• Build and develop relationships with owners, subcontractors, vendors, and design teams
• Join a collaborative team where your input and expertise are valued
• Opportunity to expand your professional network across the DC construction market
• Long-term career opportunity with an established and respected contractor

About the Salary & Benefits

• $120,000–$150,000 base salary, depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Long-term career progression

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator looking to take ownership of multiple bids and play a key role in delivering some of Washington, DC's most interesting commercial, multifamily, renovation, and historic projects.