Estimator

LHH; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH in Charlotte, NC seeks an experienced Estimator for self-performing commercial projects. You will prepare complete bids from plans and specs, perform quantity takeoffs, and price based on in-house labor, materials, and equipment costs.

You will analyze drawings, coordinate with project teams, and support change orders during execution; strong Excel and estimating software skills are essential. A Bachelor’s in Construction Management or related field is preferred.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience with a specialty commercial contractor that self-performs its work
• Strong understanding of direct labor production rates, crew-based costing, and installed unit pricing
• Proficiency reading commercial drawings and specifications; MS Excel and estimating software proficiency

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete, accurate estimates for commercial projects from plans, specifications, and site walks
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop unit pricing based on in-house labor productivity, materials, and equipment costs
• Analyze bid documents, drawings, and specifications to identify scope, risks, and qualifications
• Solicit and evaluate material and equipment pricing from suppliers
• Prepare and submit competitive bid proposals, ensuring accuracy and timely submission
• Collaborate with project managers and field leadership to validate assumptions and refine pricing on complex or unusual scopes
• Track win/loss history and historical cost data to continuously improve estimating accuracy
• Attend pre-bid meetings and job walks as needed
• Assist with change order pricing and budget reconciliation during project execution

Skills

Estimating experience

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

MS Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Our client, a well-established specialty commercial contractor, is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive bids for commercial projects. As a self-performing contractor, this company estimates its own direct labor, materials, and equipment — rather than assembling a bid from subcontractor quotes — so this role requires a strong grasp of field production rates and installed costs, not just bid compilation.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare complete, accurate estimates for commercial projects from plans, specifications, and site walks
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop unit pricing based on in-house labor productivity, materials, and equipment costs
• Analyze bid documents, drawings, and specifications to identify scope, risks, and qualifications
• Solicit and evaluate material and equipment pricing from suppliers
• Prepare and submit competitive bid proposals, ensuring accuracy and timely submission
• Collaborate with project managers and field leadership to validate assumptions and refine pricing on complex or unusual scopes
• Track win/loss history and historical cost data to continuously improve estimating accuracy
• Attend pre-bid meetings and job walks as needed
• Assist with change order pricing and budget reconciliation during project execution

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience with a specialty commercial contractor that self-performs its work (not a GC assembling subcontractor bids)
• Strong understanding of direct labor production rates, crew-based costing, and installed unit pricing
• Experience with building envelope, exterior restoration, or related specialty trade work strongly preferred
• Proficiency reading commercial construction drawings and specifications
• Proficiency with estimating software and MS Excel
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent field experience)