Estimator

Novak Construction Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

Annual discretionary performance bonus

Job summary

Novak Construction, a premier national general contractor and construction management firm based in Chicago, is seeking an Estimator to join its preconstruction team. You will prepare detailed estimates for commercial projects, perform quantity take-offs, and analyze subcontractor bids to develop budgets and pricing packages.

Ideal candidates have at least 5 years of estimating experience, are proficient in reading drawings, and can collaborate with project managers, subs, and design teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field preferred or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with commercial construction projects including retail, industrial, or tenant improvements.
• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience.
• Proficiency in reading construction plans and specifications.
• Solid understanding of construction methods, materials, and systems.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and Bluebeam skills; experience with OST, Autodesk/ProCore is a plus.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently or in a team.
• Willingness to travel minimally for site visits and pre-bid meetings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Perform quantity take-offs across multiple trades (demolition, concrete, finishes, etc).
• Review and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Solicit and analyze pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Organize and compare subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Support development of GMP, lump sum, and competitive bid proposals.
• Maintain accurate estimate files and documentation.
• Track historical cost data and update pricing databases.
• Attend site visits and pre-bid walkthroughs as required.
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and design teams to align on project goals.

Skills

Estimating

Reading drawings

Excel

Bluebeam

Subcontractor analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Equivalent work experience

Tools

OST

Procore

Autodesk

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite)

About Novak Construction

Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Chicago, Novak Construction is a premier national general contractor and construction management firm. We specialize in delivering complex, high-profile projects across retail, industrial, institutional, healthcare, and mixed-use sectors. Our combination of technical expertise, progressive management tools, and commitment to client satisfaction makes us a trusted partner in the construction industry.

Position Overview

Novak Construction is seeking an Estimator to join our preconstruction and estimating team. This role involves preparing cost estimates and bid proposals for commercial construction projects, performing quantity take-offs, analyzing subcontractor bids, and developing budgets and pricing packages. This position is ideal for candidates with at least 5 years of estimating or related construction experience who thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and are eager to grow professionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial construction projects
• Perform quantity take-offs across multiple trades (demolition, concrete, finishes, etc.)
• Review and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Solicit and analyze pricing from subcontractors and suppliers
• Organize and compare subcontractor and vendor proposals
• Support development of GMP, lump sum, and competitive bid proposals
• Maintain accurate estimate files and documentation
• Track historical cost data and update pricing databases
• Attend site visits and pre-bid walkthroughs as required
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and design teams to align on project goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred (or equivalent work experience)
• Experience with commercial construction projects, including retail, industrial, or tenant improvements
• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience
• Proficient in reading construction plans and specifications
• Solid understanding of construction methods, materials, and systems
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and Bluebeam; experience with estimating software (e.g., OST, Autodesk/ProCore) is a plus
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and eager to learn
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Familiarity with general building trades and scopes
• Experience working under tight deadlines
• Ability to travel minimally for site visits and pre-bid meetings

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Annual discretionary performance bonus
• Additional allowances and benefits dependent on experience and role requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer

Novak Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.