Lead Project Estimator: Bids, Costs & Value Engineering

JRM Construction Management, LLC.; Costa Mesa, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

JRM Construction Management, LLC. is seeking a Project Estimator in California to lead bid development across CM and GC trades. You will prepare detailed estimates, perform quantity take-offs, solicit subcontractor bids, and ensure alignment with contract requirements.

The ideal candidate has a four-year degree and several years in estimating, with strong spreadsheet skills and experience reading commercial drawings. This role offers growth in a collaborative, employee-owned firm.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree and/or at least three years of relevant experience in Estimating, Purchasing, or Quantity Surveying.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure of deadlines and meet them.
• Demonstrate proficiency in reading commercial construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to formulate scope when given minimal direction on design, whether it’s incomplete drawings or ambiguous information.
• Ability to work autonomously on estimates from the beginning to end of the bid process.
• Ability to convey complex estimating data to audiences of varying levels and knowledge of construction.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and manage the entire bid process (CM and GC) inclusive of the preparation of detailed bid packages and ensure accurate submissions by all subcontractors.
• Prepare estimates with the proper level of detail for all design stages: Conceptual, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents.
• Prepare quantity take-offs and estimate costs of materials, labor, and use of equipment required to fulfill all provisions of the contract.
• Solicit proposals based on drawings, bid packages, and subcontractor walk-throughs for each trade.
• Prepare subcontractor bid forms, scopes of work, etc. for all trades involved in each project.
• Review design documents for proper information to receive accurate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers, generate acceptable value engineering ideas and prepare life cycle costing.
• Ensure that estimates comply with the requirements of the overall construction contract and are consistent with corporate guidelines.
• Assist in the creation of logistics plans and accurately translate them to direct project costs.
• Compile detailed award packages to pass on to the purchasing team after estimate approval.
• Consult with architects, subcontractors, and material suppliers to discuss and formulate estimates, effect cost reductions, and resolve issues.
• Actively research, solicit and develop sources/vendors for compiling and maintaining accuracy of cost information.
• Maintain current trends in and changes to existing construction codes to ensure complete bids from subcontractors and material suppliers.
• Attend client and/or team meetings to discuss estimates, answer any questions, and resolve any issues regarding pricing and estimates.
• Ensure a complete review of plans and drawings, identify items that have been omitted, and ensure appropriate accounting for such items in the overall estimate package that represents the full scope of the project.
• Maintain client relationships throughout the project life cycle, ensuring client satisfaction with the project.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine the reason for any discrepancies.
• Review and thoroughly understand all RFP documents, drawings, and specifications required to build a complete estimate.
• Organize/conduct walk throughs coordinated with subcontractors to gather information on the existing conditions of a site.

Skills

Bid management

Time management

Reading plans

Autonomy

Communication

Detail oriented

Education

Four-year degree

Tools

Procore

Timberline

Excel

Office

Job description

JRM Construction Management, LLC. is seeking a Project Estimator in California to lead bid development across CM and GC trades. You will prepare detailed estimates, perform quantity take-offs, solicit subcontractor bids, and ensure alignment with contract requirements.

The ideal candidate has a four-year degree and several years in estimating, with strong spreadsheet skills and experience reading commercial drawings. This role offers growth in a collaborative, employee-owned firm.