Hands-On Senior Estimator — Charlotte Commercial Construction

Compass HR Consulting, LLC; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation 2 weeks

Auto allowance

401(k) match

Health insurance (BCBS)

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Bonus based on merit

Company card for direct costs

Phone allowance

Laptop provided

Job summary

Compass HR Consulting, LLC seeks a hands-on Senior Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction in the Charlotte market. You will manage the full process from opportunity to buyout, read drawings, develop accurate estimates, and negotiate with subcontractors to protect budgets.

You will build strong relationships with local subs, suppliers, architects, and engineers, and coordinate with owners and project teams to ensure successful turnovers.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of commercial construction estimating/preconstruction experience.
• Strong preference for candidates with direct Charlotte, NC market experience.
• Established network of local subcontractors and suppliers.
• Proven ability to independently estimate and manage projects from bid to buyout.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent hands-on estimating experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete estimating and preconstruction process from initial opportunity through final buyout and project turnover.
• Review drawings, specs, addenda, geotechnical reports and other documents to develop accurate estimates.
• Read and interpret blueprints to understand scope and develop estimates.
• Prepare conceptual to final construction estimates (conceptual, schematic, design-development).
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop complete project budgets.
• Develop bid packages and solicit competitive pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Maintain and expand relationships with Charlotte-area subs, suppliers, architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals for scope, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing.
• Lead bid leveling and identify scope gaps before awards.
• Lead subcontractor negotiations and select subs.
• Complete subcontractor buyout ensuring coverage aligns with budget.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities without compromising requirements.
• Collaborate with ownership, architects, engineers, PMs, and superintendents in preconstruction.
• Track material, labor, and subcontractor pricing in Charlotte/Carolinas.
• Prepare estimate summaries, bid comparisons, budgets and presentations for management.
• Participate in handoff meetings and transfer estimates to operations.
• Manage nationwide estimating/preconstruction, adapting to regional markets.
• Build relationships with clients, architects, and design partners for repeat business.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Education

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

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Compass HR Consulting, LLC seeks a hands-on Senior Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction in the Charlotte market. You will manage the full process from opportunity to buyout, read drawings, develop accurate estimates, and negotiate with subcontractors to protect budgets.

You will build strong relationships with local subs, suppliers, architects, and engineers, and coordinate with owners and project teams to ensure successful turnovers.