Estimator

Just Construction Recruitment; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Just Construction Recruitment is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead and oversee estimating activities across commercial construction projects. This senior preconstruction role focuses on conceptual and hard-bid opportunities, collaborating with Owners, Design Teams, Project Management, and trade partners.

You will develop estimating strategies, maintain market intelligence, and ensure estimates are competitive and accurate, aligned with project requirements.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Proven ability to lead estimates from concept to final bid.
• Experience with complex, high-value projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, proposals, and other construction documents to develop detailed estimates.
• Coordinate and oversee plan/specification hard-dollar estimates and competitive bids.
• Develop procurement and bidding strategies to maximize project value.
• Identify scope gaps, risk exposure, exclusions, and opportunities throughout the estimating process.
• Mentor and develop estimators and preconstruction professionals within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Budgeting

Communication

Multi-project mgmt

Mentoring

Subcontractor relations

Market knowledge

Tools

Destiny (Beck Technology)

Job description

The company is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead and oversee estimating activities across a range of commercial construction projects. This is a senior preconstruction position responsible for providing accurate estimating data for both conceptual and hard-bid opportunities, while working closely with Owners, Design Teams, Project Management, subcontractors, and trade partners. The Estimator will play a key role in developing estimating strategies, maintaining market intelligence, and ensuring estimates are competitive, accurate, and aligned with project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, proposals, and other construction documents to develop detailed estimates.
• Coordinate and oversee plan/specification hard-dollar estimates and competitive bids.
• Develop conceptual estimates with detailed scope narratives, quantity takeoffs, and unit-price breakdowns.
• Establish and maintain accurate in-house unit pricing, labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost data across multiple markets.
• Lead the solicitation, analysis, and leveling of subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Develop procurement and bidding strategies to maximize project value and competitiveness.
• Identify scope gaps, risk exposure, exclusions, and opportunities throughout the estimating process.
• Perform value management and provide cost-saving recommendations to Owners and Design Teams.
• Prepare preliminary budgets, cost models, bid schedules, and final contract estimates.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, Owners, and design professionals.
• Review and execute subcontract agreements and assist with procurement strategy.
• Mentor and develop Estimators and Preconstruction professionals within the team.
• Collaborate closely with Project Management and Operations to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction into construction.
• Maintain current knowledge of market conditions, labor costs, material pricing, and regional construction trends.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably within a General Contractor environment.
• Proven experience leading estimates from conceptual design through final bid/contract.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, subcontractor markets, and project delivery methods.
• Experience managing or mentoring Estimators/Preconstruction professionals preferred.
• Experience with complex, high-value commercial projects strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with estimating software; experience with Destiny (Beck Technology) preferred but not required.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong subcontractor and supplier relationships.
• Commercially minded with a strong understanding of project risk and cost.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively with Owners, Design Teams, and Project Management.