Hard Bid Estimator

gpac; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its preconstruction team on hard-bid commercial construction projects across Ohio. This hands-on role focuses on reviewing plans, developing detailed takeoffs, and building competitive bids.

You will collaborate with owners, architects, subcontractors, and internal project teams, maintain accurate cost data, and help turnover awarded projects to operations. Ideal candidates have strong estimating experience, excel at reading drawings, performing

Qualifications

• Strong commercial construction estimating experience.
• Hard-bid estimating experience preferred and a major focus for this position.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid leveling.
• Solid understanding of construction means, methods, materials, and current market pricing.
• Strong communication, organization, and analytical skills.
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred, but equivalent experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed hard-bid and competitive estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review plans, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate quantity takeoffs and pricing.
• Solicit, level, and analyze subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, constructability issues, and potential project risks.
• Develop bid packages, alternates, clarifications, and proposal documents.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and estimate reviews.
• Work closely with owners, architects, subcontractors, and internal project teams throughout preconstruction.
• Maintain accurate historical cost and unit-pricing information.
• Assist with successful turnover of awarded projects from estimating to operations.

Skills

Estimating experience

Hard-bid estimating

Reading drawings

Quantity takeoffs

Bid leveling

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture degree

Equivalent experience considered

Job description

A well-established commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its growing preconstruction team. This is a hands-on estimating position focused heavily on hard-bid commercial construction, with the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects throughout Ohio.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed hard-bid and competitive estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review plans, specifications, and bid documents to develop accurate quantity takeoffs and pricing.
• Solicit, level, and analyze subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, constructability issues, and potential project risks.
• Develop bid packages, alternates, clarifications, and proposal documents.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and estimate reviews.
• Work closely with owners, architects, subcontractors, and internal project teams throughout preconstruction.
• Maintain accurate historical cost and unit-pricing information.
• Assist with successful turnover of awarded projects from estimating to operations.

Ideal Candidate

• Strong commercial construction estimating experience.
• Proven experience with hard-bid estimating is highly preferred and a major focus for this position.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid leveling.
• Solid understanding of construction means, methods, materials, and current market pricing.
• Strong communication, organization, and analytical skills.
• Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related degree preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered.

Why Consider The Opportunity

• Established and respected commercial contractor with a long history in Ohio.
• Diverse portfolio of commercial, institutional, public, and private projects.
• Strong emphasis on quality, relationships, and long-term growth.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

The biggest priority: They are specifically looking for someone who has real-world hard-bid estimating experience and is comfortable owning the estimating process from reviewing bid documents through final bid submission.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.