Estimator

Harris & Co Executive Search; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client in the Central Iowa market is seeking an experienced Project Manager / Estimator to own projects from bid through final completion. The role requires strong estimating capabilities, project management experience, and a solid understanding of concrete construction operations.

You will manage schedules, budgets, and field coordination, while building relationships with general contractors and developers to drive profitable outcomes.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in construction estimating or project management.
• Experience in concrete construction, commercial flatwork, sitework, or related trades.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specs.
• Strong understanding of costs, labor, materials, and scheduling.
• Experience estimating, managing budgets, and tracking profitability.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Proficiency with MS Office and estimating or PM software.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and bid docs to develop accurate estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for concrete flatwork, paving, sidewalks, curb and gutter.
• Prepare cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, and subs.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Identify risks, scope gaps, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Prepare competitive proposals and manage bidding.
• Build relationships with general contractors, developers, and customers.
• Manage multiple projects from award through closeout.
• Develop schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with field leadership, superintendents, and subcontractors.
• Monitor costs, productivity, profitability, and performance.
• Manage change orders, RFIs, submittals, and documentation.

Skills

Estimating

Project management

Reading blueprints

Budgeting

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Job description

Our client, an established and growing concrete contractor serving the Central Iowa market, is seeking an experienced Project Manager / Estimator to join its team.

The company specializes in commercial concrete flatwork, residential developments, site concrete, parking lots, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and other concrete construction projects.

This is a hands-on opportunity for a construction professional who enjoys managing projects from initial bid through final completion. The ideal candidate will bring strong estimating capabilities, project management experience, and a solid understanding of concrete construction operations.

This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects, work directly with field leadership, and play a key role in the continued growth of an established contractor.

Key Responsibilities

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for concrete flatwork, paving, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and related scopes of work.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Identify project risks, scope gaps, and potential value-engineering opportunities.
• Prepare competitive proposals and manage the bidding process.
• Build and maintain relationships with general contractors, developers, and customers.

Project Management

• Manage multiple concrete construction projects from award through closeout.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with superintendents, foremen, field crews, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Monitor project costs, productivity, profitability, and overall performance.
• Manage change orders, RFIs, submittals, and project documentation.
• Coordinate material deliveries, equipment needs, and manpower requirements.
• Attend project meetings and maintain communication with customers and general contractors.
• Ensure projects meet quality standards, safety requirements, and contractual deadlines.
• Identify and resolve field challenges proactively to keep projects moving forward.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience in construction estimating, project management, or a combination of both.
• Experience in concrete construction, commercial flatwork, sitework, or closely related trades.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, labor productivity, materials, and scheduling.
• Experience preparing estimates, managing budgets, and tracking project profitability.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction estimating or project management software.

Preferred

• 5+ years of experience in concrete construction estimating and project management.
• Experience with commercial concrete, parking lots, warehouse slabs, residential developments, and municipal concrete work.
• Established relationships with general contractors, developers, or suppliers in the Central Iowa market.
• Previous experience working for a self-performing concrete contractor.