Lead Estimator

Gil Haugan Construction; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Growth opportunities within a values‑d

Job summary

Gil Haugan Construction is seeking a Lead Estimator to oversee estimating within our project framework, ensuring complete scope, accurate pricing, and competitive submissions. You will collaborate with Project Managers and leadership to pursue work aligned with our core values.

The role involves reviewing drawings, preparing budgets and bids, performing takeoffs, and coordinating with subcontractors to ensure timely, cost-effective proposals.

Qualifications

• Commercial construction estimating experience.
• Ability to read architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Estimating experience, including takeoffs, budgeting, bid leveling, and cost tracking.
• Strong organizational, leadership, budgeting, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, Bluebeam, and related programs.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings and specifications to define scope, risks, and bid requirements.
• Prepare budgets, estimates, proposals, and scope clarifications.
• Perform takeoffs, general conditions, bid packages, and procurement planning.
• Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, alternates, allowances, and value engineering options.
• Coordinate with project managers on schedule and constructability.
• Assist leadership with bid strategy, markups, fees, schedules, and final pricing.
• Support hard-bid, negotiated, CMAR, and Design-Build opportunities.
• Maintain historical cost data, pricing, and estimating resources.
• Prepare clear project handoff information for awarded work.
• Build relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, and engineers.
• Represent GHC during pre-bid meetings, interviews, and project discussions.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Reading drawings & specs

Budgeting & bid leveling

Communication

Pricing strategies

Team collaboration

Tools

Bluebeam

Estimating software

Spreadsheets

Job description

Lead Estimator

Gil Haugan Construction | Full-Time

Position Overview

Gil Haugan Construction is seeking a Lead Estimator to manage estimating within GHC's construction project framework. This role oversees budgets and bids from preconstruction through final proposal--ensuring complete scope, accurate pricing, and competitive submissions.

The Lead Estimator works closely with GHC Project Managers, and leadership teams to pursue work that reflects our core values: Genuine, Hardworking, and Committed.

Key Responsibilities

• Review drawings and specifications to define scope, risks, and bid requirements.
• Prepare budgets, estimates, proposals, and scope clarifications.
• Perform takeoffs, general conditions, bid packages, and procurement planning.
• Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, alternates, allowances, and value engineering options.
• Coordinate with project managers on schedule and constructability.
• Assist leadership with bid strategy, markups, fees, schedules, and final pricing.
• Support hard-bid, negotiated, CMAR, and Design-Build opportunities.
• Maintain historical cost data, pricing, and estimating resources.
• Prepare clear project handoff information for awarded work.
• Build relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, and engineers.
• Represent GHC during pre-bid meetings, interviews, and project discussions.

Qualifications

• Commercial construction estimating experience.
• Ability to read architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Estimating experience, including takeoffs, budgeting, bid leveling, and cost tracking.
• Strong organizational, leadership, budgeting, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, Bluebeam, and related programs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Growth opportunities within a values-driven company