Lead Estimator

Banneker Ventures, LLC; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Banneker Ventures, LLC is seeking a Preconstruction Lead to blend estimating expertise with project coordination in a hybrid role. You will own bid coordination tasks, perform take-offs, review subcontractor bids, and support a fast-paced estimating team across multiple projects.

The role emphasizes database upkeep, proposal preparation, software proficiency, and training support to help streamline preconstruction workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction-related field required.
• 2–4 years of Senior Estimator experience.
• 6–9 years total experience in preconstruction or estimating.

Responsibilities

• Assist Preconstruction Managers with bid coordination and bid documents.
• Conduct detailed quantity take-offs and develop estimates under senior staff.
• Perform initial reviews of subcontractor bids for completeness and scope.
• Maintain and update the subcontractor/vendor database.
• Assist in creating and formatting proposals and presentations.
• Support estimators with guidance on best practices and software usage.
• Organize drawings and specifications to support bidding schedules.
• Serve as primary contact for routine subcontractor communications.
• Become a subject matter expert in estimating software and tools.
• Contribute to process documentation and training materials.

Education

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

2–4 years of experience as Senior Estimator

6–9 years total experience in Preconstruction or Estimating

Job description

Banneker Ventures is a vertically integrated real estate development and construction management firm with nearly 20 years of experience delivering more than $1 billion of transformative mixed-use, multifamily, and civic projects across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. Guided by our commitment to Building a Better World, we partner with public agencies, private developers, and community stakeholders to deliver world-class projects with lasting impact.

Overview and Purpose

The Preconstruction Lead is a hybrid role that blends estimating expertise with project coordination. This individual supports the Preconstruction Managers and Senior Preconstruction Managers by taking ownership of key aspects of the preconstruction process. The Lead is a go-to person for junior estimators and helps streamline the flow of information on projects. This role is a vital support function, ensuring the smooth execution of preconstruction tasks and contributing to the overall efficiency of the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Bid Coordination Support: Assist Preconstruction Managers with all aspects of bid coordination, including sending out bid invitations, tracking subcontractor responses, and managing bid documents.
• Technical Estimating: Conduct detailed quantity take-offs and develop accurate estimates for specific trades or project components under the guidance of senior staff.
• Bid Evaluation: Perform initial reviews of subcontractor bids for completeness, scope compliance, and alignment with project requirements.
• Database Management: Help maintain and update the department’s subcontractor and vendor database, ensuring all contact information and qualifications are current.
• Proposal Creation: Assist in the creation and formatting of proposal documents and presentations, ensuring they adhere to company standards.
• Team Support: Serve as a day-to-day resource for Estimators, answering questions and providing guidance on best practices and software usage.
• Project Organization: Support the overall bidding schedule by ensuring all necessary information, including drawings and specifications, is organized and accessible.
• Subcontractor Communication: Serve as a primary point of contact for routine communications with subcontractors, clarifying project details and managing responses.
• Software and Tool Proficiency: Become a subject matter expert in the department’s estimating software and related tools, providing support and training to other team members.
• Process Documentation: Assist in the creation and maintenance of process documentation and training materials for the department.

KPIs

• Take-off Accuracy: Percentage of take-offs that match final quantities.
• Bid Package Assembly Time: Average time to prepare a complete bid package for a project.
• Support Rating: Positive feedback from Preconstruction Managers on the quality and timeliness of support.
• Database Health: The accuracy and completeness of the subcontractor/vendor database.
• Process Improvement Suggestions: Number of new ideas or process improvements suggested and implemented to improve efficiency.
• Technical Skill Development: Demonstrated improvement in estimating skills as documented in performance reviews.
• Bid Submittal Quality: Internal rating of supporting documents prepared for bids.
• Information Flow Efficiency: Time saved through improvements in data organization and accessibility.
• Bid Response Rate: The percentage of bids where a full scope of work is received from subcontractors.
• Internal Documentation Completeness: Timeliness and accuracy of populating internal project logs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or in a related field preferred
• 2 to 4 years of experience as Senior Estimator
• 6 to 9 years total experience in Preconstruction or Estimating