Lead Estimator

We Search People; Waxahachie (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO

401(k) with company match

Job summary

We Search People seeks an experienced Estimator to lead preconstruction pricing for North Texas ground-up commercial, industrial, medical, and retail projects.

You will own conceptual budgets, value engineering, and subcontractor alignment, partnering with owners, developers, and design teams to optimize cost and schedule. A strong leadership presence and negotiation skill are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years estimating experience in commercial general contracting.
• Experience with ground-up projects in the $5–20M+ range.
• Proficient with digital takeoff tools such as Bluebeam or PlanSwift and Excel.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills to owners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost projections from schematic drawings and client conversations.
• Solicit quotes, analyze scopes, and leverage regional subs networks.
• Propose cost-effective material and structural alternatives with owners and design teams.
• Prepare comprehensive estimates, schedules, and budget notes for turnkey bids.
• Collaborate with project management and field teams for smooth buyouts and handoffs.

Skills

Estimating

Negotiation

Bid leadership

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

Excel

Job description

Overview

We are partnered with a growth-focused commercial general contractor who is going through an exciting period of change under strong leadership, who are now looking for an experienced Estimator to join their team and lead preconstruction pricing across North Texas.

In this role, you'll take ownership of conceptual budgeting, value engineering, and strategic subcontractor alignment across ground-up commercial, industrial, medical, and retail projects. You'll be part of a fresh leadership team making a real difference to an established contractor with a reputation for quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed, reliable cost projections from schematic drawings, spatial plans, and client conversations.
• Solicit competitive trade quotes, perform scope gap analyses, and leverage your regional network.
• Work directly with owners, developers, and design teams to propose cost-effective material and structural alternatives.
• Compile comprehensive cost estimates, schedule values, and detailed budget notes for turnkey design-build proposals.
• Partner with project management and field ops teams to ensure smooth buyouts and accurate budget handoffs.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 5+ years experience of estimating experience within a commercial general contractor, ideally handling ground-up builds in the $5-20M+ range.
• Proven track record with design-build, negotiated, or conceptual preconstruction workflows.
• Proficiency with digital takeoff tools such as Bluebeam or PlanSwift, estimating software, and Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of local subcontractor pricing, material trends, and labor costs.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the professional presence to present budgets to project owners and key stakeholders.

Package and Benefits

• Base salary between $110,000 and $140,000 based on experience and proven design build track record.
• Generous performance based bonus tied to project success and bid conversion rates.
• Company benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, PTO, and 401(k) with company match.