Estimator / Buyout Manager - Multifamily Construction

Burnett Staffing Specialists; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in construction estimating and proven experience negotiating with subcontractors. Strong knowledge of drawings, specs, and cost analyses is required; Excel and estimating software skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating, preconstruction, procurement, or buyout experience.
• Multifamily construction experience strongly preferred/required, depending on project needs.
• Strong knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, scopes, and trade packages.
• Proven experience managing subcontractor bidding, bid leveling, negotiations, and project buyout.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with construction estimating/project management software and strong Excel skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and bid packages simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Manage estimating and buyout activities for multifamily construction projects.
• Review drawings, specs, scopes, and project requirements to develop accurate estimates.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, budgets, takeoffs, and cost analyses.
• Solicit and evaluate bids from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Develop bid packages with complete coverage across all trades and perform bid leveling.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, scope, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Lead project buyout and ensure contracts are awarded within budgets and timelines.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors and expand the network.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Subcontractor bidding

Negotiation

Budgeting

Excel

Project management

Multi-project management

Tools

Estimating software

Bid management software

Job description

Estimator / Buyout Manager – Multifamily ConstructionWe are seeking an experienced Estimator / Buyout Manager with a strong background in multifamily construction. This role will manage estimating, subcontractor bidding, scope review, negotiations, and project buyout from preconstruction through turnover to the project team. The ideal candidate understands multifamily construction costs, subcontractor markets, and how to effectively buy out projects while protecting budget, schedule, and scope.Key ResponsibilitiesManage estimating and buyout activities for multifamily construction projects.Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project requirements to develop accurate estimates.Prepare conceptual estimates, detailed budgets, quantity takeoffs, and cost analyses.Solicit and evaluate bids from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.Develop bid packages and ensure complete coverage across all trades.Perform detailed bid leveling and scope comparisons to identify gaps, exclusions, and potential cost exposure.Negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing, terms, scope, and value-engineering opportunities.Lead project buyout, ensuring contracts are awarded within established budgets and timelines.Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and continually develop the company's subcontractor/vendor network.Partner with Preconstruction, Project Management, Development, and Operations throughout the estimating and buyout process.Identify cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities without compromising quality or project requirements.Track current construction costs, labor rates, material pricing, and market conditions.Assist with change-order pricing and cost analysis as needed.Maintain accurate estimating, bid, and buyout documentation.Qualifications5+ years of construction estimating, preconstruction, procurement, or buyout experience.Multifamily construction experience strongly preferred/required, depending on project needs.Strong knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, scopes, and trade packages.Proven experience managing subcontractor bidding, bid leveling, negotiations, and project buyout.Strong understanding of multifamily construction costs, materials, subcontractor markets, and project sequencing.Ability to identify scope gaps and understand the financial impact of purchasing and subcontract decisions.Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.Experience with construction estimating/project management software and strong Excel skills.Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and bid packages simultaneously.The ideal candidate has worked for a multifamily general contractor, developer/builder, or construction management company and has personally taken projects through estimating, subcontractor bidding, negotiations, and final buyout. Experience with mid-rise, or high-rise multifamily projects is a strong plus.HOUAC49