Estimator

Miles-McClellan Construction; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Miles-McClellan Construction in Columbus, Ohio is seeking an Estimator to prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial projects. This role leads the preconstruction efforts by collaborating with project managers, field teams, and clients to ensure alignment with company goals.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of relevant experience, and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with construction estimating software is preferred.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of estimating experience in commercial construction preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong understanding of construction means and cost drivers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and proposals based on project requirements.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Maintain organized estimating files and historical cost data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication abilities

Time management skills

Mathematical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office applications

Bluebeam

Procore

BuildingConnected

Sage

Job description

Primary Purpose

This role is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial construction projects. This role analyzes drawings, specifications, proposals, schedules, and subcontractor/vendor pricing to develop complete project estimates that support successful bidding and project execution. The Estimator leads the preconstruction efforts working closely with operations, project management, field leadership, vendors, and clients to ensure scope clarity, cost accuracy, and alignment with company goals and standards. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, communication abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast‑paced construction environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Review drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to prepare detailed estimates and proposals.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure complete and competitive bid coverage.
• Analyze project scope and identify risks, exclusions, clarifications, and value engineering opportunities.
• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates.
• Develop accurate labor production assumptions and productivity forecasts.
• Assist in preparing bid packages, scopes of work, and proposal documentation.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client walkthroughs as needed.
• Coordinate with operations and project management teams during estimate reviews and project handoffs.
• Maintain organized estimating files, bid records, historical cost data, and pricing databases.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with Project Managers, Operations Leaders, and Field Teams to align estimates with execution strategies.
• Communicate with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors regarding scope clarification and pricing.
• Support relationship‑building efforts with clients and trade partners.

Process Improvement & Strategic Support

• Help improve estimating procedures, templates, and cost tracking systems.
• Monitor market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and subcontractor availability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on accuracy, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• Contribute to lessons learned reviews and historical cost analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of estimating experience in commercial construction, masonry, restoration, or related trades preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, and cost drivers.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with self-perform construction or specialty trade estimating.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected, Sage, or similar construction software platforms.
• Understanding of conceptual estimating and value engineering processes.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from small service work to large-scale commercial projects.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, and pre-bid walkthroughs.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites safely when required.