Lead Estimator – Luxury Interior Construction

System One; New York (NY); On-site; USD 145,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

System One is seeking a Lead Estimator for luxury interior construction in New York City. This role supports preconstruction for high-end renovations and interior projects, preparing budgets from concept through bid and turnover.

The ideal candidate brings detail orientation, organization, and experience pricing complex interior renovations in occupied spaces such as apartments and brownstones, with strong Excel, PlanSwift, and Procore skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience in construction.
• Experience with high-end residential or interior projects.
• Ability to read construction drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Preconstruction and estimating tasks from drawings and specs.
• Develop detailed budgets from concept to final pricing.
• Analyze drawings for scope gaps, risks, and cost drivers.
• Solicit and level subcontractor bids.
• Support project handoff from estimating to project management.

Tools

PlanSwift

Procore

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Lead Estimator – Luxury Interior Construction

Lead Estimator – Luxury Interior Construction

Location: New York City, NY (near Hudson Yards / Hell's Kitchen)

Type: Direct Hire

Industry: Residential construction (luxury interiors)

Compensation: $145,000 - $205,000 annually

Contractor Work Model: Onsite

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Scope of Projects: typically $500K min to $5M+

Position Summary:

• We are seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to support preconstruction efforts for high-end residential renovations and interior projects across NYC. This role works closely with leadership to develop accurate, detailed budgets from early concept through final bid and project turnover.
• The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in pricing complex interior renovations, including apartments, townhomes, and occupied spaces.

Project Scope:

• High-end residential renovations (high-rise apartments and brownstones)
• Interior and occupied space construction
• Select hospitality and commercial interiors
• Typical project size: $500K – $5M

Key Responsibilities:

• Preconstruction & Estimating
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications
• Develop accurate project budgets from conceptual through final pricing
• Analyze drawings to identify scope gaps, risks, and cost drivers
• Solicit and level subcontractor bids

Cost Analysis & Budgeting:

• Build and maintain detailed cost estimates and bid packages
• Perform trade coverage and ensure complete scope inclusion
• Evaluate pricing for accuracy, competitiveness, and feasibility

Project Handoff:

• Support smooth transition from estimating to project management
• Organize and maintain estimate files, scopes, and documentation
• Assist in buyout and subcontractor scope alignment

Collaboration:

• Work closely with leadership on pricing strategy and bid approach
• Coordinate with project managers, architects, and consultants as needed
• Contribute to value engineering and cost-saving opportunities

Lead Estimator Qualifications:

• 5+ years of estimating experience in construction
• Strong experience with high-end residential or interior projects preferred
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Experience pricing projects in the $500K – $5M range

Lead Estimator Technical Skills:

• PlanSwift (required)
• Procore experience preferred
• Advanced Excel and spreadsheet proficiency
• Strong file management and document organization skills

#M1

Ref: #563-Joule Staffing - Toms River