Lead Estimator: Drive Profitable Bids & Growth

Colorado Structures, Inc. DBA CSI Construction Company; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays

Company-sponsored benefits

Job summary

CSI Construction is seeking a Lead / Senior Estimator to own the estimating process from opportunity through bid and handoff, delivering accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates.

The role requires independence, collaboration with subcontractors and internal teams, and leadership to drive bid strategies and growth into new markets. Base salary $120k–$160k with bonus opportunities and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive construction estimating experience.
• Ability to independently manage estimates from initial review through final bid.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Extensive experience reading and interpreting construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong quantity takeoff and cost-estimating skills.
• Experience with subcontractor/vendor solicitation, bid leveling, scope analysis, and negotiations.
• Ability to identify project risks, scope gaps, and cost exposures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Mentor and lead junior estimators as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimates for projects ranging from conceptual and schematic design through final construction documents.
• Review plans, specifications, drawings, scopes of work, addenda, and other project documentation.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop accurate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general condition estimates.
• Develop complete and competitive project budgets and bid proposals.
• Analyze project documents to identify scope gaps, discrepancies, conflicts, exclusions, and potential risks.
• Develop comprehensive bid strategies based on project requirements, market conditions, competition, schedule, and company objectives.
• Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Evaluate alternative construction methods and identify value-engineering opportunities.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Operations, Business Development, Finance, Safety, and executive leadership.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Bid strategy development

Subcontractor negotiation

Cost estimation

Budget development

Risk identification

Education

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

Tools

Sage/Timberline

Procore

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

BuildingConnected

Job description

CSI Construction is seeking a Lead / Senior Estimator to own the estimating process from opportunity through bid and handoff, delivering accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates.

The role requires independence, collaboration with subcontractors and internal teams, and leadership to drive bid strategies and growth into new markets. Base salary $120k–$160k with bonus opportunities and comprehensive benefits.