Estimator / Project Manager

Ellipsis Construction LLC; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellipsis Construction LLC is seeking an Estimator/Project Manager to deliver small-to-mid sized commercial TI projects in the Denver area. You will blend hands-on estimating with project management, oversee proposals from RFPs through interviews, and manage budgets, schedules, and client communications.

You will lead a small, high-performing team, coordinate with architects and vendors, and drive project timelines while maintaining quality and safety standards in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience delivering commercial TI or fast-paced interior projects.
• Experience in estimating and preconstruction, including takeoffs and bid leveling.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specs, and scopes of work; asks smart questions early.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with strong documentation.
• Knowledge of construction means/methods, sequencing, and coordination.
• Experience with budgeting, cost controls, and scheduling.
• Proficient in RFI/submittal workflows and closeout requirements.
• Strong proposal writing and coordination skills (RFP/RFQ/RFI).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, client-facing.
• Comfort working in both office/admin and field delivery.
• Proficiency with construction management tools and document control.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating process including takeoffs, scope review, and cost development.
• Write technical proposals responding to RFIs/RFPs and coordinate inputs.
• Establish and maintain Master Project Schedule and budgets; monitor progress.
• Manage risk, contracts, and change management across projects.
• Lead the proposal process from RFP to interviews and bid submissions.
• Oversee project documentation, RFIs, submittals, meetings, and closeout.

Skills

Tenant improvement experience

Estimating & preconstruction

Reading plans & specs

Multi-project management

Budgeting & cost controls

Schedule management

RFI/submittal workflows

Proposal writing & coordination

Communication skills

Office + field delivery

Construction tools proficiency

Tools

Construction management platforms

Document control systems

Spreadsheets

Email/calendar tools

Job description

Ellipsis Construction is a licensed, women-owned commercial General Contractor specializing in tenant finish / commercial improvements in the Denver Metro area. We’re known for trust-forward relationships and communication, a commitment to sustainability, and leveraging construction technology to streamline delivery and keep projects on schedule and within budget. Our mission is to be a progressive leader in the future of the construction industry by leveraging the strengths of our diverse team and clients while protecting our natural environment and giving back to the community we serve.

Ellipsis Construction is a licensed, women-owned commercial General Contractor specializing in tenant finish / commercial improvements in the Denver Metro area. We’re known for trust-forward relationships and communication, a commitment to sustainability, and leveraging construction technology to streamline delivery and keep projects on schedule and within budget. Our mission is to be a progressive leader in the future of the construction industry by leveraging the strengths of our diverse team and clients while protecting our natural environment and giving back to the community we serve.

Why You’ll Want To Work Here

• Real ownership + real impact: You’ll drive projects end-to-end in a small, high-performing team structure.
• Fast-paced TI work: Tenant improvement projects move quickly and require strong communication and decisive leadership—if you like momentum, you’ll fit right in.
• Values that show up on the job: Relationships, sustainability, and innovation aren’t slogans here—they’re how we operate.
• Modern tools + continuous improvement: We embrace technology and best practices to reduce rework, improve coordination, and elevate the client experience.

Position Summary

The Estimator / Project Manager (Estimator/PM) is accountable for successfully delivering small-to-mid sized commercial TI projects, often with compressed schedules (as short as ~6 weeks) and multiple concurrent projects (1–3 at a time). This role blends hands‑on estimating and preconstruction with project management (budget, schedule, contracts, documentation, and client communication) across multiple concurrent projects. This position also supports Ellipsis Construction’s growth by managing and leading the proposal process from RFP release through bidding, estimating coordination, and interview presentations.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction, Estimating, Proposals & Business Development Support

• Lead the estimating process including quantity takeoffs, scope review, and detailed cost development for commercial TI projects.
• Maintain estimating templates, historical cost data, and lessons learned to continuously improve accuracy and speed.
• Level bids, identify gaps/exclusions, and support scope clarifications to ensure complete, apples-to-apples comparisons.
• Manage and lead the proposal process from RFP release through site walks, ITB bidding, estimate compilation, and client interview presentations.
• Write technical proposals in response to RFPs/RFQs/RFIs, including executive summary, relevant experience, pricing approach, technical qualifications, compliance requirements, and company background.
• Prioritize writing assignments, coordinate inputs from internal contributors, and manage deadlines.
• Monitor solicitation addenda/changes and update proposal content as needed.
• Partner with leadership to develop win themes/strategies and ensure a polished, on-brand submission.

Project Management (Scope, Schedule, Budget, Contracts)

• Establish, update, and communicate the Master Project Schedule and manage execution against milestones.
• Manage project budgets and financial reporting; interpret reports to ensure adherence and identify risks early.
• Provide leadership in risk evaluation, contract negotiations, fee/pricing decisions, and change management.
• Keep management informed on project progress, budget status, and key risks through regular updates/meetings.
• Support and drive utilization of Ellipsis Construction initiatives, standards, and technologies.

Project Controls & Documentation

• Own project documentation systems and ensure timely, accurate completion of RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, punch lists, safety documentation, and daily logs.
• Coordinate support from virtual assistants/team members (as applicable), while maintaining final accountability for completeness and quality.
• Process all submittals with support from virtual assistants.

Client, Architect, Vendor & Trade Partner Relationships

• Foster and enhance relationships with architects, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Communicate proactively and respectfully with Admin and all team members; resolve issues with a solutions‑first approach.
• Maintain strong customer service and expectation‑setting throughout the project lifecycle.

Pay Applications & Closeout

• Work with accounting software/processes to initiate pay applications and follow up to ensure timely payment.
• Lead project closeout: punch completion, turnover documentation, warranty information, and final financial reconciliation.

People Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and develop Ellipsis Construction virtual assistants and field staff.
• Provide performance feedback and input into (or completion of) performance appraisals.
• Provide leadership that fosters an environment of diversity and inclusion.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience delivering commercial construction projects, ideally tenant improvement or fast‑paced interior projects.
• Demonstrated experience in estimating and preconstruction, including takeoffs, subcontractor coordination, and bid leveling.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and scopes of work; comfort asking smart questions early.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities while maintaining quality and documentation standards.
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Construction means/methods, sequencing, and coordination
• Budgeting, cost controls, and schedule management
• RFI/submittal workflows, meeting cadence, and closeout requirements
• Strong proposal writing and coordination skills (RFP/RFQ/RFI responses).
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and client-facing.
• Comfortable working in both the office/admin side of delivery and actively leading in the field.
• Proficiency with common construction and business tools (construction management platforms, document control, spreadsheets, email/calendar, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA training and/or strong safety leadership background.
• Experience in negotiated work, hard bid, and/or public‑sector style solicitations.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices and construction technology tools that improve coordination and reduce rework.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Combination of office work and active jobsite work.
• Ability to move around job sites, climb stairs/ladders as needed, and work in varying site conditions.
• Ability to lift/carry light-to-moderate materials (typical jobsite requirements) and wear PPE as required.

Background Check / Site Security Requirement

• This position may require assignment to projects with specific badging or security requirements, which may require the Company, Owner, or a third party to conduct a drug, criminal, or other background check.

Equal Opportunity

Ellipsis Construction is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.