Lead Estimator

Winspear Construction, LLC.; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Winspear Construction, LLC. seeks a Lead Estimator based in Boise, ID to oversee estimating activities for commercial and civil projects. You will review plans, quantify scopes, and prepare comprehensive cost estimates for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractors.

You will develop bid schedules, solicit quotes, maintain pricing databases, and mentor junior estimators while ensuring bids are accurate, competitive, and aligned with safety standards and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Several years of estimating experience for commercial and civil projects.
• Ability to read plans, specs, and contract documents.
• Experience with public/federal bids is beneficial.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and cost‑sav­ing skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and specs to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Develop bid schedules and analyze subcontractor quotes.
• Mentor junior estimators and refine estimating processes.
• Coordinate with PMs and engineers to align with scope.

Skills

Quantity takeoffs

Bid preparation

Cost analysis

Reading plans & specs

Software: HeavyBid / Excel

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or engineering

Equivalent experience in estimating

Tools

HeavyBid

Excel

Digital takeoff platforms

Job description

Company Description

Winspear Construction, LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business based in Boise, ID, specializing in general contracting for commercial and civil projects across private, state, and federal sectors. The company’s capabilities cover a wide range of services, including site clearing, concrete slab on grade, demolition, mass excavation, utilities, waterproofing, structural concrete, and marine construction. Winspear Construction is known for the “Winspear Way,” a rigorous set of standards focused on safety, high-quality work, and on-time delivery with minimal change orders. The Estimating Team follows a meticulous, detail-oriented process to ensure accurate and complete estimates. With a strong commitment to turning client visions into reality, the company emphasizes safe, efficient work environments on every project.

Role Description

The Lead Estimator is a full-time, on-site role based in Boise, ID, responsible for overseeing and coordinating all estimating activities for commercial and civil construction projects. This role involves reviewing plans and specifications, performing quantity takeoffs, and preparing detailed cost estimates for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractors. The Lead Estimator will develop and maintain bid schedules, solicit and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotes, and ensure estimates align with project scope, safety standards, and client expectations. Day-to-day tasks include collaborating with project managers and engineers, participating in pre-bid meetings, identifying value engineering opportunities, and updating historical cost data and pricing databases. The Lead Estimator will also help refine estimating processes, mentor junior estimators, and support strategic decisions that contribute to competitive, accurate bids.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong construction estimating skills, including quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and bid preparation for commercial and civil projects.
• Candidates should possess project documentation and technical skills, including the ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents, and prepare clear, organized estimate reports.
• Candidates should possess proficiency with estimating and construction software tools, such as digital takeoff platforms, spreadsheets (e.g., Excel and HeavyBid), and project management systems.
• Candidates should possess sound analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills to evaluate project risks, identify cost-saving options, and ensure estimate accuracy.
• Candidates should possess strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal teams, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Candidates should possess organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple bids, meet deadlines, and maintain detailed records of estimates and assumptions.
• Relevant qualifications include several years of experience in construction estimating, preferably in general contracting; experience with public and federal bidding is beneficial.
• A bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience in estimating and