Estimator - Residential

DISHER; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DISHER is seeking an Estimator (Residential) in Portage, MI, to manage estimating and purchasing for residential construction projects. This role involves leading estimating efforts, ensuring budget accuracy, engaging with trade partners, and implementing value engineering for cost optimization. Candidates should have 5–7 years of experience in residential estimating, a relevant degree, and advanced proficiency in Excel and estimating tools. A collaborative approach and strong negotiation skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of progressive residential estimating and purchasing experience with a homebuilder.
• Strong ability to read and interpret residential construction drawings and specifications.
• Experience improving or standardizing estimating/purchasing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating for residential new homes, custom builds, and portfolio products.
• Review plans and specifications to maintain budget integrity.
• Monitor material and supply-chain trends and recommend mitigation strategies.

Skills

Residential estimating

Purchasing experience

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Collaborative approach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Excel

BuilderTrend

Sage

Bluebeam

Job description

Estimator (Residential) - Portage, MI

DISHER is partnering with a well‑established construction and development company to identify an Estimator – Residential Group to join their team in Portage, MI. This individual will own estimating and purchasing for residential new homes, custom homes, and portfolio products—playing a key role in cost control, budget accuracy, vendor strategy, and value engineering to support profitable growth across the residential business.

This company has a history of high retention, promoting from within, and a high level of transparency throughout the whole organization. They live, day by day, by 5 core values: do the right thing, be client focused, have a positive attitude, be a team player, and be proud of what we do. As an important member of this team, you will have a direct impact on how homes are priced, how trade partners are engaged, and how systems are improved over time.

What you will get to do:

• Lead estimating for residential new homes, custom builds, and portfolio products, delivering accurate and competitive budgets.
• Review plans, specifications, and market data to set clear cost targets and maintain budget integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
• Run bid solicitations, evaluate proposals, and award work to trade partners to secure strong pricing and performance.
• Oversee the purchasing cycle—including POs, rebates, invoicing, and budget reconciliation—to keep projects financially on track.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trades and suppliers, supporting reliable pricing, supply continuity, and partnership alignment.
• Drive value engineering and cost‑optimization efforts with sales, selections, and construction teams while protecting quality and the client experience.
• Monitor material and supply‑chain trends, identify cost or schedule risks, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Maintain and improve job templates, cost codes, and databases in BuilderTrend and Sage; champion effective use of Bluebeam and other tools.
• Support pricing and approvals for change orders, and provide costing input for new product development and trade‑base expansion.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, scopes of work, contracts, and applicable codes and regulations in all estimates and purchases.

What will make you successful:

• 5–7+ years of progressive residential estimating and purchasing experience with a homebuilder (new homes, custom, or multi‑community).
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong ability to read and interpret residential construction drawings and specifications.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and comfort working in BuilderTrend, Sage, and Bluebeam (or similar estimating/project management tools).
• Demonstrated strength in negotiation, analysis, organization, and follow‑through; driven by accuracy, quality, and accountability.
• Collaborative, service‑oriented approach to partnering with sales, design, construction, and leadership.
• Experience improving or standardizing estimating/purchasing processes and using data to drive better decisions.
• Familiarity with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is a plus.
• Comfort working primarily in an office setting with periodic visits to active job sites.