Estimator - Light Industrial Projects - Chicago, IL

Michael Page; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP Program!!!

Performance-based bonus opportunity

Comprehensive medical, dental, and/or/

401(k) with company contribution

Generous paid time off and holidays

1 Day WFH

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Lead Preconstruction professional to head preconstruction efforts for light industrial projects across the Midwest, including the Rosemont, IL area. You will oversee estimating, GMP development, design coordination, value engineering, risk management, and procurement, partnering with ownership and design teams to drive profitability and client satisfaction.

The role requires 8+ years in preconstruction or estimating, with a track record in ground-up industrial work,

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Preconstruction or Estimating.
• Experience preparing conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and GMPs for light industrial construction projects.
• Strong background in commercial construction sectors.
• Experience managing preconstruction efforts for large-scale ground-up developments.
• Proven success performing quantity takeoffs, estimate reviews, and pricing analysis.
• Experience with subcontractor procurement, bid leveling, buyout strategies, and contract negotiations.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, means and methods, scheduling, and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual budgeting, detailed estimating, and GMP development for ground-up construction projects.
• Prepare and review quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and pricing exercises to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
• Develop, maintain, and improve historical cost databases to support future estimating efforts.
• Conduct scope gap analyses and commercial risk reviews to identify and mitigate potential project exposures.
• Lead bid leveling efforts and evaluate subcontractor proposals for completeness, value, and risk.
• Develop project buyout strategies and support subcontractor procurement activities.
• Manage subcontractor and vendor negotiations to secure the best value for project stakeholders.
• Create and administer bid packages, scopes of work, and procurement strategies.
• Coordinate preconstruction design efforts with owners, architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Lead constructability reviews and provide recommendations to improve efficiency, cost, and project execution.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Estimating

GMP development

Design coordination

Value engineering

Risk management

Subcontractor procurement

Bid leveling

Buyout strategies

Contract negotiations

Constructability reviews

Owners/design teams coordination

Job description

Lead preconstruction efforts for light industrial construction projects across the Midwest. This leadership role is responsible for estimating, GMP development, design coordination, value engineering, risk management, subcontractor procurement, and project turnover. Partner directly with ownership, design teams, and operations to shape projects from concept through construction startup while driving accuracy, profitability, and client satisfaction.

Our client is a premier construction and development organization specializing in light industrial and hospitality projects. They have earned a strong reputation for delivering projects that combine thoughtful design, operational excellence, and high-quality construction to create lasting value for the communities they serve.
What makes this opportunity especially attractive is the company's culture. Employees describe an environment built around partnership, integrity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Rather than operating in silos, project teams work closely together, support one another, and embrace a "no task is too small" mentality to ensure project success. The leadership team is known for empowering field leaders, encouraging professional growth, and providing employees with the resources needed to succee

Description

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead conceptual budgeting, detailed estimating, and GMP development for ground-up construction projects.
• Prepare and review quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and pricing exercises to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
• Develop, maintain, and improve historical cost databases to support future estimating efforts.
• Conduct scope gap analyses and commercial risk reviews to identify and mitigate potential project exposures.
• Lead bid leveling efforts and evaluate subcontractor proposals for completeness, value, and risk.
• Develop project buyout strategies and support subcontractor procurement activities.
• Manage subcontractor and vendor negotiations to secure the best value for project stakeholders.
• Create and administer bid packages, scopes of work, and procurement strategies.
• Coordinate preconstruction design efforts with owners, architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Lead constructability reviews and provide recommendations to improve efficiency, cost, and project execution.

Profile

• 8+ years of experience in Preconstruction or Estimating
• Experience preparing conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and GMPs for light industrial construction projects.
• Strong background in commercial construction sectors.
• Experience managing preconstruction efforts for large-scale ground-up developments.
• Proven success performing quantity takeoffs, estimate reviews, and pricing analysis.
• Experience with subcontractor procurement, bid leveling, buyout strategies, and contract negotiations.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, means and methods, scheduling, and project delivery

Job Offer

• Highly competitive base salary up to $150K
• ESOP Program!!!
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Generous paid time off and holiday package
• 1 Day WFH
• Stable project pipeline and long-term growth potential
  

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.