Estimator

JRM Construction Management; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

JRM Construction Management is seeking a Project Estimator in Laguna Beach, California. This role is crucial for accurately estimating total project costs, requiring strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.

The ideal candidate will have a four-year degree or relevant experience in Estimating, Purchasing, or Quantity Surveying. This role offers a salary range of $85,000 - $150,000.

Join a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to quality and excellence.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree and/or at least three years of relevant experience in Estimating, Purchasing, or Quantity Surveying.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in reading commercial construction plans and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire bid process, ensuring accurate submissions and proposals.
• Prepare detailed estimates for all design stages.
• Solicit proposals and maintain client relationships throughout the project life cycle.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Organization skills

Reading commercial construction plans

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Four-year degree or relevant experience in Estimating, Purchasing, or Quantity Surveying

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Procore

Timberline

Job description

JRM is one of the top General Contracting and Construction Management Firms with over a decade of trusted experience. Headquartered in New York City with offices in New Jersey, California, and Florida, JRM delivers the highest quality services to clients that include City, State & Federal Agencies, Fortune 500 corporations, respected property owners & developers, major law firms, media & tech firms, leading luxury retailers, renowned hospitality groups, life sciences & healthcare organizations, and financial services firms. JRM knows that dedicated, accomplished employees are the heart of any successful enterprise. We are focused on maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and are always looking to add passionate personnel to our teams across the US.

Job Summary

The Project Estimator serves a vital function in the growth of JRM. You will be responsible for accurately estimating the total costs associated with a project. This is a challenging position that requires fine attention to detail; the candidate must demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure, especially when facing bid deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and manage the entire bid process (CM and GC) inclusive of the preparation of detailed bid packages and ensure accurate and proper submissions/proposals by all subcontractors.
• Prepare estimates with the proper level of detail for all design stages: Conceptual, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents.
• Prepare quantity take-offs and estimate costs of materials, labor, and use of equipment required to fulfill all provisions of the contract.
• Solicit proposals based on drawings, bid packages, and subcontractor walk-throughs for each trade.
• Prepare subcontractor bid forms, scopes of work, etc. for all trades involved in each project.
• Review design documents for proper information to receive accurate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers, generate acceptable value engineering ideas and prepare life cycle costing.
• Ensure that estimates comply with the requirements of the overall construction contract and are consistent with corporate guidelines.
• Assist in the creation of logistics plans and accurately translate them to direct project costs.
• Compile detailed award packages to pass on to the purchasing team after estimate approval.
• Consult with architects, subcontractors, and material suppliers to discuss and formulate estimates, effect cost reductions, and resolve issues.
• Actively research, solicit and develop sources/vendors for compiling and maintaining accuracy of cost information.
• Maintain current trends in and changes to existing construction codes to ensure complete bids from subcontractors and material suppliers.
• Attend client and/or team meetings to discuss estimates, answer any questions, and resolve any issues regarding pricing and estimates.
• Ensure a complete review of plans and drawings, identify items that have been omitted, and ensure appropriate accounting for such items in the overall estimate package that represents the full scope of the project.
• Maintain client relationships throughout the project life cycle, ensuring client satisfaction with the project.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine the reason for any discrepancies.
• Review and thoroughly understand all RFP documents, drawings, and specifications required to build a complete estimate.
• Organize/conduct walk throughs coordinated with subcontractors to gather information on the existing conditions of a site.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree and/or at least three years of relevant experience in Estimating, Purchasing, or Quantity Surveying
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work well under pressure of deadlines and meet them
• Demonstrate proficiency in reading commercial construction plans and specifications
• Ability to formulate scope when given minimal direction on design, whether it’s incomplete drawings or ambiguous information.
• Ability to work autonomously on estimates from the beginning to end of the bid process.
• Ability to convey complex estimating data to audiences of varying levels and knowledge of construction.

Computer Systems

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Procore (preferred but not required), and Timberline (preferred but not required)

Salary Information

• To the extent this position is performed in California, the annual salary range for this role is $85,000 - $150,000.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at JRM without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

The salary range listed in job postings reflects the company’s good‑faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as position tier, geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skills.

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