Lead Estimator - Commercial Construction

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lead Estimator position targets a relationship-focused commercial general contractor serving the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. The role oversees estimating and preconstruction, developing competitive budgets and proposals, leading bid efforts, and strengthening trade-partner relationships for profitable growth.

Ideal candidates have deep familiarity with the regional market and a proven ability to pursue, win, and transition projects into operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent, relevant construction experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate, competitive estimates, budgets, GMPs, proposals, and bid submissions for commercial construction projects.
• Manage the full estimating process, from initial project pursuit and document review through final pricing, proposal submission, and turnover to operations.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field

Job description

A growing, relationship-driven commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to oversee estimating and preconstruction efforts for a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.

This individual will be a senior member of the preconstruction team, responsible for evaluating opportunities, developing competitive budgets and proposals, leading bid efforts, strengthening trade-partner relationships, and helping drive profitable growth. The ideal candidate has deep familiarity with the regional commercial construction market and a proven ability to pursue, win, and successfully transition projects into operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate, competitive estimates, budgets, GMPs, proposals, and bid submissions for commercial construction projects.
• Manage the full estimating process, from initial project pursuit and document review through final pricing, proposal submission, and turnover to operations.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, scope development, cost analysis, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, proposal comparisons, and final estimate reviews.
• Develop conceptual estimates and detailed budgets at all design stages, including preliminary, schematic, design-development, construction-document, negotiated, and hard-bid phases.
• Review drawings, specifications, bid documents, contract requirements, alternates, allowances, and clarifications to identify scope gaps, exclusions, risks, and pricing considerations.
• Evaluate potential project opportunities based on strategic fit, market conditions, staffing and operational capacity, risk profile, anticipated profitability, and probability of award.
• Identify and help mitigate estimating, scope, contractual, scheduling, procurement, and financial risks during preconstruction.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, owners, developers, consultants, and other industry partners.
• Strengthen trade-partner participation and bid coverage while ensuring competitive pricing and complete scope alignment.
• Monitor regional construction-market conditions, including subcontractor availability, labor trends, material pricing, competitive activity, and upcoming project opportunities.
• Maintain and improve historical cost data, subcontractor and supplier databases, unit-pricing information, labor-productivity data, and post-bid lessons learned.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, business development, operations, project management, and design-build teams to support strategic pursuits and growth initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and mentor estimators and junior team members; provide technical direction, review work product, and share best practices.
• Promote consistency, accountability, efficiency, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the estimating function.
• Support a thorough handoff of awarded projects to project management and field operations teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent, relevant construction experience will be considered.
• 8+ years of progressive commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience, including leadership responsibility on complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience estimating commercial construction work in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia market.
• Strong, established relationships with regional subcontractors, suppliers, developers, owners, architects, engineers, and other commercial construction professionals preferred.
• Proven knowledge of local construction practices, subcontractor capabilities, labor conditions, material costs, procurement challenges, and competitive market dynamics.
• Experience with hard-bid, negotiated, GMP, design-build, and other collaborative commercial construction delivery methods.
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and analyze construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, bid instructions, contract documents, and project schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to develop both detailed estimates and conceptual budgets using incomplete, evolving, or early-stage design documents.
• Proficiency with construction estimating, bid-management, takeoff, spreadsheet, and project-management software.
• Strong analytical, financial, organizational, negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to clearly present budgets, estimates, assumptions, recommendations, value‑engineering options, and risk assessments to senior leadership, clients, and project teams.
• Ability to manage multiple active pursuits and competing deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, sound judgment, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Maintain the confidentiality of company, client, subcontractor, and project information.
• Build positive and productive relationships with internal teams, trade partners, vendors, clients, and other external stakeholders.
• Take a proactive approach to risk identification, problem-solving, process improvement, and pursuit strategy.
• Follow all company safety requirements, ethical standards, policies, and procedures.
• Contribute to a culture focused on teamwork, quality, client service, and long‑term business relationships.