Estimator

Sky Mavis; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401k

Generous PTO

Job summary

Sky Mavis is seeking a Project Estimator based in Chicago, IL, responsible for leading and supporting the bidding of construction projects. This role demands a Bachelor's Degree and at least two years of estimating experience in commercial construction. Key responsibilities include preparing bid proposals, conducting quantity take-offs, and ensuring project alignment with scope and pricing. The position offers a salary range of $80,000 to $90,000 annually along with bonus opportunities and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and 401k.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Technical ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate bid proposals and assist in preparing General Conditions.
• Perform quantity take-offs and develop scopes of work.
• Collaborate with subcontractors and provide technical assistance.

Skills

Estimating experience

Communication skills

Mathematical calculations

Microsoft Office and Excel

Knowledge of building construction

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or similar

Tools

Estimating database software

Onscreen takeoff experience

Job description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

About Ventana

As part of the Clayco family, Ventana designs, supplies, and installs high-performing curtain wall façade systems. By working closely with the design team, we can ensure a competitively priced façade that is water and airtight and allows for optimal thermal control of the interior space. Traditionally, the façade is one of the major risk factors on any building, and the team at Ventana has a proven track record of taking the risk and delivering superior façade systems that guarantee long-term performance.

The Role We Want You For

The Project Estimator leads and supports the bidding of construction projects by preparing conceptual and hard dollar estimates and developing competitive proposals. This role is responsible for soliciting and evaluating subcontractor and vendor bids, as well as reviewing project documents for accuracy and completeness.

The Project Estimator performs quantity take-offs, constructability reviews, and value engineering analyses, while also assessing project risks, site conditions, and cost forecasts. This position collaborates with project managers, engineers, architects, and clients to ensure alignment of scope and pricing. Additionally, the Project Estimator supports project handoff, maintains cost data, and contributes to continuous improvement of estimating processes and tools.

The Specifics of the Role

• Work in conjunction with the bid team to prepare accurate bid proposals.
• Assist with final assembly of estimate for presentation to owner.
• Subcontractor solicitation during bidding process.
• Review of the project construction schedule and assist in preparation of the General Conditions.
• Aid field operations with change order pricing.
• Review of the construction documents for value engineering and pricing.
• Obtain labor burden and applicable insurance rates.
• Maintain master subcontractor/vendor lists by trade. Solicit additional capable subcontractors.
• Provide technical assistance with project managers in negotiating contracts, change orders, etc. as required. Assure clean transition of estimate, bidding information, drawings, specifications, etc to project management.
• Ensures proper internal controls and maintenance/development of the organization’s historical estimating records for all entities.
• Maintain and develop historical data for unit prices.
• Performing quantity take-offs to develop in-house budgets to review against bids from subcontractors.
• Developing scopes of work for each trade to bid projects.
• Calling subcontractors to review scopes and verify if bidding.
• Develop General Conditions for review with Senior Management and Project Management.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Building Construction or similar discipline.
• A minimum of Two (2) years of estimating experience in the commercial construction industry.
• Knowledge of building construction, materials, systems, market conditions and trade practices.
• Conceptual ability to work with minimum information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Technical-demonstrates the ability to perform mathematical calculations and possesses proficient data entry skills.
• Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Office and Excel are critical, but, estimating database software, and Onscreen takeoff experience would be a plus.
• Full understanding of general contracting bidding requirements.
• Experience in attending Pre-Construction Meetings.
• Excellent decision making/problem solving skills.
• Supervisory experience is a plus as well as solid communication skills and the ability to work well with all levels of management and company personnel.
• Pre-employment Drug Testing and Background Check.
• Motivated, hardworking, team player.

Some Things You Should Know

• This position will service our National clients.
• Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!
• This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.

Why Ventana and Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 +/- annually, based on qualifications, skills, training, experience, and location.
• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company performance and individual contribution.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!