Estimator and Assistant Project Manager

Chapman Construction/Design; Newton Highlands (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing program

100% company-paid health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Chapman Construction/Design in Newton Highlands is seeking an Estimator and Assistant Project Manager to support project management and field staff on commercial construction projects. The role involves developing estimates, bids, and project budgets while ensuring timely project completion.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management and a minimum of 3 years' experience in the industry. Comprehensive benefits include profit-sharing and 100% company-paid health insurance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in the construction industry preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Commitment to continued professional development.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing conceptual and negotiated estimates and budgets.
• Coordinate project activities to ensure timely completion.
• Review and qualify subcontractor proposals.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Project management software

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Procore Construction Management software

CAD and/or BIM

Job description

Job Summary

The Estimator and Assistant Project Manager provides comprehensive support to the company’s project management and field staff on designated commercial construction projects from inception to closeout. On the estimating side, the role involves developing conceptual and negotiated estimates, bids, budgets, and value‑engineering proposals, while on the project management side the role assists in coordinating project activities to ensure timely and on‑budget completion.

Essential Functions

Estimating

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, design teams, and subcontractors to understand project requirements and expectations
• Review drawings, specifications, proposals, and related documentation to develop a comprehensive understanding of project scope
• Perform quantity take‑offs and apply unit pricing for material and labor to establish a value for the work
• Identify scope gaps, clarifications, and opportunities through document review and coordination with owners and design teams
• Prepare value‑engineering recommendations and cost‑saving alternatives
• Assist with generating project budgets and proposals
• Assist with generating construction schedules, including pre‑construction and long‑lead activities
• Create and thoroughly review pre‑construction RFIs prior to submission to the owner/design team
• Prepare qualifications and assumptions for the estimate
• Prepare cost comparisons/reconcile with previous estimates
• Coordinate subcontractor solicitation, bidding and selection process
• Review and qualify subcontractor proposals to ensure complete scope coverage
• Conduct subcontractor site walk‑throughs
• Ensure quality control of bids and estimates
• Prepare in‑house budgets and GMPs

Assistant Project Management

• Generate and track project activities, subcontractors, progress, and changes across multiple platforms
• Perform project document control: manage/organize/distribute electronic documents for field & office staff (drawings, addenda, bulletins, RFIs, submittals, safety meetings, etc.)
• Track and organize subcontractor documentation, including subcontracts, RFIs, purchase orders, submittals, and change orders
• Apply for building permits
• Attend weekly meetings, prepare meeting minutes, and distribute to project teams
• Generate, maintain, and update project directories
• Escalate concerns, issues, or delays related to project work, subcontractor performance, or other activities that may impact project completion
• Review and compile subcontractor change order pricing and supporting documentation for PM review
• Generate subcontracts for final approval by PM staff
• Assist with updating construction schedules
• Generate project pay applications for final approval by PM staff
• Coordinate and collect affidavits, test reports, and required documentation for final inspections/project close‑out; assemble as‑built packages
• Attend business development events, client interviews, and project presentations as a company representative
• Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring team members
• Perform other functions as required

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management with a minimum of 3 years experience in the construction industry (preferred)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Experience with estimating software, including on‑screen take‑off
• Experience working with project management software
• Understanding of market conditions and their impact on pricing
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Professional communication skills with tact and diplomacy
• Process‑improvement mindset and ability to create efficiencies
• High attention to detail, positive attitude, and strong work ethic
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Commitment to continued professional development (training, continuing education, seminars, industry certifications)
• Complete OSHA 30‑Hour training within one year of employment
• Maintain necessary training certifications, including First Aid/CPR

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Procore Construction Management software
• Experience with CAD and/or BIM
• Experience managing the financial components of projects

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Vision requirements include close and distance vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
• Moderate workplace noise level
• Occasional driving or riding in vehicles for extended periods of time

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $80,000 – $95,000 (actual base depends on experience, skills, responsibilities, and market conditions)
• Profit‑sharing program
• 100% company‑paid health insurance
• 50% company‑paid dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Student loan pay‑down program
• Employee Assistance program
• 529 college savings plan
• Identity protection plan
• On‑site training and development
• Tuition reimbursement for higher education, certifications, and licenses
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave

Chapman is an equal opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and other underrepresented backgrounds.