Pre-Construction Estimator

Palmer's Security Solutions; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance with Vision & Dental

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company M

Job summary

Palmer's Security Solutions in Manassas, VA seeks a seasoned estimator to contribute to our growth by accurately evaluating bid specs and drawings, determining costs, labor, materials, and timelines for security construction projects.

The role requires five years of general construction estimating experience, US citizenship, and a detail‑oriented approach. Office hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends to meet bid deadlines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in general construction estimating.
• Proven ability to review bid specs and drawings to prepare accurate estimates.
• US citizenship required.
• Bidding and budget development within tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review bid requirements and ask follow-up questions.
• Develop RFIs and clarify scope with subcontractors.
• Perform site walks to determine project steps.
• Determine manpower and material costs.
• Maintain relationships with clients and vendors.
• Ensure bids meet budget and safety standards.
• Coordinate with Project Management on kickoff and turnover.

Skills

Estimating

Bid management

DFH knowledge

Vendor coordination

Cost analysis

Education

High School degree

Job description

PSS is looking for a highly skilled estimator to contribute to our corporate growth and help us maintain our position as an innovative authority within the industry. The ideal candidate will take initiative and be dependable and detail-oriented. Estimators are responsible for evaluating bid specifications and drawings, ensuring we know everything required to bid and win the project successfully. They will be expected to draw up, estimate, and determine the overall costs of a new or existing construction project, including the projected time frame, and additional factors like labor needs, materials, budgets, and potential setbacks. The estimator will collaborate with contractors, vendors/suppliers, and office support staff to develop project bids that estimate the amount necessary to complete the client project.

This full-time salaried position will typically be performed Monday through Friday, 7 am – 4 pm at our corporate office in Manassas, VA. This position may require extra hours and occasional weekend work to meet tight deadlines for project bid submissions.

Job Requirements

• Years of Experience: Five (5) years of experience in general construction estimating
• Education: High School Degree or higher
• U.S. Citizenship is required

Job Responsibilities

• Review bid requirements thoroughly and ask follow-up questions on every bid
• Has a thorough understanding of the scope for specific trades assigned
• Develop RFI’s and clarifications and ensure adequate staff and subcontractor coverage
• Perform site walks to determine the necessary steps to complete projects
• Perform a comprehensive “bid day” analysis and scope review checklist outlining project-specific needs
• Determine manpower needs and associated costs required to complete projects
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing clients
• Strong background in doors, frames, and hardware (DFH) to troubleshoot and resolve estimating issues that may arise throughout the bid process
• Maintain strict adherence to the budgetary guidelines, quality, and safety standards required for each project
• Collaborate with the internal business development team to accurately bid estimations on future projects
• Solicits and maintains communication with suppliers, vendors, and clients
• Ensures that we have the proper allowances for adequate staff coverage
• Contact supply houses to obtain additional subcontractor bids
• Shows creativity and resourcefulness to gain better pricing from vendors/suppliers
• Submits 100% of bids and budgets by the bid deadline – no exceptions
• Consistently logs and tracks all bid submissions to include weekly follow-ups with clients
• Knows architects, construction managers, property managers, brokers, and can close business
• Reports directly to upper management for project updates and market tracking
• Properly turns over bid documents and sub-buyout information to Project Management promptly. The goal is for 100% of awarded projects turned over within 24 hours of notification
• Review drawings with the Project Management team and highlight areas of concern
• Review job costs with the Project Management team and highlight any subs/material vendors that still need to be awarded
• Complete project kick-off forms to ensure compliance
• Attend regular meetings with Executive Management, Superintendents, Assistant Project Managers, and accounting personnel to ensure successful completion of the project and have lessons learned

Bonus Points

• At least two (2) years of experience with secure doors, frames, and hardware (DFH)
• Connections to GC's, architects, and construction firms
• Health Insurance with Vision & Dental
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Ability to commute/relocate

• Manassas, VA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)