Estimator / Senior Estimator

Hotel Rehabs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid & Remote options

Flexible location

Job summary

Hotel Rehabs is seeking an Estimator or Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction team. You will evaluate opportunities, develop competitive estimates, and help position the company to win profitable work on hospitality renovations.

Our projects range from small renovations to multi‑million dollar jobs, often in occupied environments. You’ll review drawings, plan bid strategies, engage subcontractors, and collaborate with clients to ensure accurate, executable estimates and smooth handoffs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in construction management, engineering, architecture, business, or related field.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specs, estimating processes, and budgeting.
• Experience developing estimates, quantity takeoffs, and subcontractor bid comparisons.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate, competitive estimates for hospitality renovations from $100K to $5M+.
• Review drawings, specs, scopes, and project documentation.
• Perform digital takeoffs and build detailed estimates, budgets, and bid packages.
• Solicit subcontractor and vendor proposals and build appropriate trade coverage.
• Review and analyze subcontractor proposals for scope, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and constructability concerns; flag value‑engineering opportunities.
• Maintain organized estimate documentation with clear assumptions and exclusions.
• Manage multiple estimates and meet deadlines; support award, buyout, and turnover to operations.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Bid strategy

Client relations

Subcontractor mgmt

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Procore

BuildingConnected

Microsoft 365

Job description

Estimator / Senior Estimator

Nationwide Candidates Welcome | Chicago&Nashville Offices | Hybrid & Remote Opportunities

We'reAlways Looking for Great Estimating Talent

Hotel Rehabs is growing, andwe'realways actively looking to connect with experienced Estimators and Senior Estimatorswho could be a strong addition to our Preconstruction team.

This is an ongoing search. Whetherwe'rehiring foran immediate need or building relationships with great estimating talent for upcoming opportunities, we want to hear from people who know commercial construction and are excited about the type of work we do.

We'reopen to nationwide candidates with estimating and preconstruction experience within the commercial general contracting industry, especiallyhospitality renovation, tenant improvement, interiors, and occupied renovation work.

We have offices inChicagoand Nashvillewith hybrid and remote opportunities available depending on experience and location.

If you have the experience,we'dlove to hear from you — even if the timingisn'timmediate.

Own the Numbers. Drive the Win. Build the Experience.

Who You Are

You'reanalytical, competitive, resourceful, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where both precision and urgency matter.

You'remore than someone who produces estimates. You understand that a strong estimate is the foundation of a successful project and help shape projects before construction begins byidentifyingrisks, buildingaccuratebudgets, developing strong subcontractor coverage, and helping position proposals to win profitable work.

You enjoy digging into drawings, scopes, specifications, and project details toidentifywhat others may miss. You think beyond the number and consider constructability, risk, sequencing, subcontractor availability, and how the project willultimately beexecuted.

Youdon'tconsider your work finished when the estimate issubmitted. You stay engaged through client discussions, buyout, turnover, and preconstruction to help ensure the commitments made during estimating translate into a successful project.

Depending on your experience, you may already be independently leading complex estimates and client conversations, or you may have strong estimating fundamentals and be ready to expand your strategic and client-facing capabilities.

You’re someone who:

• Takesownership of opportunities frominitialreview through bid submission, award, and turnover.
• Can balance competitiveness with profitability.
• Buildsrelationships with subcontractors rather than simply collecting bids.
• Iscomfortable making informed decisions when every answerisn'timmediatelyavailable.
• Communicates clearly with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Can manage multiple active pursuits without sacrificing accuracy.
• Wants to continue developing both technically and strategically within Preconstruction.
• Enjoyscompeting to win whilemaintainingaccuracy, integrity, and a strong customer experience.

Who We Are

Hotel Rehabs is a nationally recognized general contractor specializing in hospitality renovations for Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG properties across the United States.

Our turnkey approach spans budgeting, design, procurement, construction, and closeout, helping hotel owners successfully complete complex renovation projects with minimal disruption to operations.

We'rea growing company where estimators have visibility, influence, and the opportunity to directlyimpactthe projects we pursue andultimately build.

Our culture is built around four core values:

• Own It
• Be the Problem Solver
• Choose Hospitality
• Build Best in Class

The Role

As an Estimator at Hotel Rehabs,you'llplay a key role in evaluating opportunities, developing competitive project estimates, and helping position the company to win profitable work.

Our hospitality renovation projects typically range from approximately$100K to $5M+andfrequentlytake place within active, occupied hotel environments.

We'reintentionally open todifferent levelsof estimating experience. The title and scope of the role will align withdemonstratedcapability.

An Estimator earlier in their career may focus more heavily on bid production, scope development, subcontractor outreach, quantity takeoffs, and estimating execution while developing stronger strategic and client-facing capabilities.

A more experienced or Senior Estimator will take greater ownership of complex opportunities, constructability and project risk, bid strategy, subcontractor and client relationships, and positioning opportunities to win.

Regardless of level, we expect our Estimators to understand that their responsibility extends beyondsubmittinga bid.You'llstay connected throughaward,buyout, and turnover to help position Operations for successful execution.

What You'll Do

Preconstruction & Estimating

• Developaccurate, competitive estimates for hospitality renovation projects ranging fromapproximately$100K to $5M+.
• Review and analyze drawings, specifications, scopes of work, PIPs, and other project documentation.
• Perform digital takeoffs and develop detailed estimates, conceptual budgets, and bid packages.
• Solicit subcontractor and vendor proposals and proactively build appropriate trade coverage.
• Review, level, and analyze subcontractor proposals forscopecompleteness and competitiveness.
• Identifyscope gaps, inconsistencies, constructability concerns, and project risks.
• Identifyvalue-engineering opportunities and alternative solutions whenappropriate.
• Maintain organized estimate documentation, assumptions, exclusions, and supporting information.
• Manage multiple active estimates while meeting internal and client deadlines.
• Participate in estimate reviews, buyout, and turnover to Operations.

Strategic Bid Development

• Evaluate project opportunities to understand key drivers, risks, and competitive positioning.
• Partner with Preconstruction leadership to developappropriate bidstrategies.
• Balance competitive pricing with the need to protect project profitability.
• Ask questions early andengagethe right resources to resolve scope, pricing, or constructability concerns.
• Help develop proposals that clearly communicate Hotel Rehabs' understanding of the project and value to the client.
• Contribute to bids that not only win work but set the project up for successful execution.

More experienced Estimators will take greater ownership of bid strategy, risk evaluation, constructability reviews, and complex project opportunities.

Subcontractor Engagement

• Build andmaintainstrong relationships with subcontractors across multiple markets.
• Expand subcontractor networks where coverage is limited.
• Communicate scopes and expectations clearly to trade partners.
• Evaluate subcontractor pricing, capabilities, historical performance, and overall fit.
• Proactively follow up with trade partners to improve bid participation and competitive coverage.
• Develop relationships that strengthen Hotel Rehabs' ability to compete across markets.

Client & Business Development

• Participate in owner meetings,scopereviews, and preconstruction discussions.
• Build credibility with clients through responsiveness, accuracy, and follow-through.
• Help position proposals competitively while protecting project profitability.
• Support client relationships throughout the pursuit and preconstruction process.
• Represent Hotel Rehabs professionally with owners, consultants, subcontractors, and industry partners.

More senior candidates will have greater responsibility for client-facing conversations, relationship development, andhelping positionHotel Rehabs for repeat work.

Collaboration & Project Handoff

• Partner closely with Project Management,Purchasing, Design, and Construction teams throughout the estimating process.
• Continue supporting projects after award through buyout, turnover, and preconstruction.
• Ensure Operations understands project scope, pricing assumptions, exclusions, risks, and commitments made during the estimating process.
• Participate in strong, organized project handoffs that set the Operations team up for success.
• Help improve estimating tools, cost databases, processes, and internal best practices.

What You Bring

• 3+ yearsof commercial estimating or preconstruction experience within a General Contractor or related construction environment.
• Hospitality renovation, tenant improvement, interiors, multifamily, healthcare, or commercial renovation experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, Finance, ora relatedfield,or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, estimating, subcontractor management, and budgeting.
• Experience developing estimates, quantity takeoffs, scopes, and subcontractor bid comparisons.
• Understanding ofconstruction means, methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Proficiencywith Microsoft 365 and estimating/construction software such asBluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Procore,BuildingConnected, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines whilemaintainingaccuracy.
• Comfort communicating directly with subcontractors, clients, and internal project teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed for client meetings and project site visits.

For More Experienced / Senior Candidates

• Experience independently leading complex commercial construction estimates.
• Strong understanding of project risk, constructability, and bid strategy.
• Proven ability to develop andmaintainstrong subcontractor relationships.
• Experienceparticipatinginorleading client-facing preconstructionconversations.
• Ability toidentifyopportunities to improve scope, pricing strategy, or project delivery.
• Strong ownership from pursuit through award, buyout, and project handoff.
• A trackrecordofhelping convert estimating opportunities into profitable construction projects.
• The ability tooperatewith greater independence and make sound decisions when complete informationisn'tavailable.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• Technically disciplined.Accuracy matters, and they take pride in understanding the details.
• Commerciallyminded.They understandwe'reestimating to win profitable work, not simplyproducea number.
• Comfortable making decisions.They gather the right information, assess risk, and keep things moving.
• Curious.They ask questions and continuously build their construction knowledge.
• Strong communicators.They'recomfortable communicating with everyone from a subcontractor to an owner.
• Comfortable picking up the phone.Theydon'trely exclusively on email to build relationships or solve problems.
• Organized under pressure.They can manage multiple active opportunities and deadlines.
• Competitive without sacrificing quality.They want to win, but not at the expense of accuracy or project success.
• Accountable beyond the bid.They care about whether the project they estimatedultimately performs.

What Success Looks Like

• Targeted Project Sales
• Strategic Bid Development
• Subcontractor Engagement
• Client Capture & Retention
• Estimating Accuracy
• Awarded Contracts
• Preconstruction Execution
• Buyout & Handoff Quality

Why Join Hotel Rehabs?

Ownership & Impact

Your work directly influences the projects we pursue, the work we win, and the success of our Operations teams. Estimators have visibility and influence throughout the project lifecycle.

Growth

We are continuing togrowour Estimating and Preconstruction capabilities. Whether you're developing toward a Senior Estimator position or already operating at that level, there is room to expand your technical, strategic, and client-facing responsibilities.

Flexibility

Hybrid and remote options are available depending on experience and location. Preference is given to candidates located near ourChicago, Nashville, or Phoenix.

We are also open to experienced candidates nationwide who have the background and ability to be successful working remotely.