Lead Estimator

SERVCO BUILDERS; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Profit Sharing

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Servco Builders is seeking a Lead Estimator to drive preconstruction and estimating for commercial projects from concept to contract award. You will develop accurate, competitive cost estimates and collaborate with owners, designers, and internal teams to ensure profitable project delivery.

The role requires 5–10 years of estimating experience, proficiency with Bluebeam, Procore, and MS Office, and strong analytical and communication skills. Domestic travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–10 years of commercial construction estimating experience, including leading complex projects.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and contract documents.
• Experience with subcontractor bid analysis, cost modeling, and value engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual through final construction cost estimates and bid analyses.
• Manage subcontractor bidding, scopes of work, and pricing negotiations.
• Mentor estimators and coordinate preconstruction activities with internal teams.

Skills

Estimating

Construction knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction

Professional estimating certification

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Servco Builders, we believe building is an experience. We deliver more than exceptional construction—we set a higher standard of service. From the first conversation to project completion, we're committed to exceeding expectations through clear communication, professionalism, and attention to detail, making every project as seamless and successful as possible.

That same commitment extends to our team. We're building more than exceptional projects—we're building exceptional careers. We believe our people are our greatest asset, which is why we foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous growth.

If you're looking for a company that values your contributions, invests in your development, and believes there's a better way to build, we'd love to have you join our team.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Estimator to lead the preconstruction and estimating efforts for commercial construction projects from concept through contract award. This leadership role develops accurate, competitive cost estimates, supports business development, and collaborates with clients, design professionals, and internal teams to help ensure successful project delivery and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of conceptual through final construction cost estimates, including quantity takeoffs, labor, equipment, material pricing, and subcontractor cost analyses.
• Establish and manage estimating schedules to ensure all bid deadlines are met while delivering exceptional service and exceeding client expectations.
• Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and other project documents to identify project scope, constructability concerns, risks, and cost impacts.
• Manage the subcontractor bidding process, including preparing scopes of work, soliciting qualified trade partners, evaluating and leveling bids for accuracy and completeness, negotiating pricing, and developing strategic subcontractor relationships.
• Lead value engineering efforts by identifying cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining project quality and design intent.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, consultants, and internal teams throughout the preconstruction process, including client presentations, interviews, and pre‑bid meetings.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to estimators and preconstruction coordinators while promoting estimating best practices and consistency across the department.
• Prepare project budgets, bid proposals, scope summaries, executive cost reports, and support business development, procurement, and project turnover activities.
• Monitor market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, subcontractor availability, and maintain historical cost databases, estimating templates, and unit pricing to improve estimating accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, safety requirements, company standards, and contractual requirements.
• Travel to project sites as needed to evaluate existing conditions and support estimating and preconstruction activities.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 5–10 years of commercial construction estimating experience, including leading complex projects, managing multiple bid opportunities, and mentoring estimating staff.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, sequencing, building codes, and industry regulations, with the ability to interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Microsoft Office Suite, Procore, and construction estimating software.
• Expertise in quantity takeoffs, conceptual estimating, cost modeling, value engineering, subcontractor bid analysis, and pricing strategies.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with clients, subcontractors, design professionals, and internal teams.
• Professional estimating or construction certifications are a plus.

Compensation Range and Benefits

$130,000 - $150,000 Annually. Compensation is offered based on work history, years of experience, professional achievements and other nondiscriminatory metrics and factors. This is a full‑time role.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Profit Sharing
• Generous paid time off

Foundations Built on a Culture of Respect

Servco is committed to creating a respectful environment where all are equally valued, treated fairly and rewarded based on merit. We expect all associates to value the differences, views, backgrounds, and beliefs of others.

Servco is an equal employment opportunity of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating our associates and applicants without discrimination based on their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.

We look forward to building a future with you.