Lead Estimator

Smith Group of Americas; Texas; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Group of Americas in Dallas–Fort Worth is seeking a Lead Estimator to drive accurate cost plans for general contracting, owner’s representative services, and large industrial/tech projects across Texas.

You will independently manage bids, coordinate subcontractor pricing, and identify scope and cost risks before proposals, while shaping value engineering and client proposals.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• General contractor estimating experience preferred; subcontractor estimating helpful.
• Ability to read plans and specifications and understand construction scopes, trades, and sequencing.
• Experience developing estimates and soliciting and analyzing subcontractor proposals.
• Proficiency with PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable estimating software.
• Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and deadline-management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; associate degree or equivalent relevant experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to determine complete project scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare conceptual, preliminary, and bid-level estimates.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals; identify gaps, overlaps, exclusions, and risks.
• Develop complete client proposals, including pricing, assumptions, clarifications, and exclusions.
• Manage assigned bids from invitation through submission, including deadlines, addenda, and follow-up.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, bid walks, site visits, and project handoffs.
• Maintain accurate opportunity and bid information in CRM and bid-tracking systems.
• Identify and develop value engineering options, including alternative materials, systems, and construction methods, to reduce costs while maintaining project quality, performance, and design intent.
• Build and maintain subcontractor and supplier relationships throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and the broader Texas market.

Skills

Plan reading & specs

Bid management

Communication

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Smith Group of Americas is seeking a Lead Estimator to support general contracting, owner’s representative services, and construction opportunities throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth and broader Texas market. The ideal candidate can independently manage bids, develop accurate estimates, coordinate subcontractor pricing, and identify scope and cost risks before proposal submission. The role also supports large-scale industrial, warehouse, and technology-sector opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to determine complete project scope.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare conceptual, preliminary, and bid-level estimates.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals; identify gaps, overlaps, exclusions, and risks.
• Develop complete client proposals, including pricing, assumptions, clarifications, and exclusions.
• Manage assigned bids from invitation through submission, including deadlines, addenda, and follow-up.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, bid walks, site visits, and project handoffs.
• Maintain accurate opportunity and bid information in CRM and bid-tracking systems.
• Identify and develop value engineering options, including alternative materials, systems, and construction methods, to reduce costs while maintaining project quality, performance, and design intent.
• Build and maintain subcontractor and supplier relationships throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and the broader Texas market.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressively responsible commercial construction estimating experience.
• General contractor estimating experience preferred; strong subcontractor estimating experience may be considered.
• Ability to read plans and specifications and understand construction scopes, trades, and sequencing.
• Experience developing estimates and soliciting and analyzing subcontractor proposals.
• Proficiency with PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable estimating software.
• Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and deadline-management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; associate degree or equivalent relevant experience will be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with negotiated, hard-bid, and conceptual budgeting opportunities.
• Experience supporting large-scale projects for major corporate or technology-sector clients.
• Experience preparing construction management, program management, or owner’s representative proposals.
• MEP estimating experience is a plus.
• Healthcare construction estimating experience, including hospital renovations, medical facilities, and work in occupied clinical environments.
• Knowledge of the Dallas-Fort Worth subcontractor and supplier market.