Preconstruction Estimator

Progressive Companies; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive Companies in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking an experienced Estimator to lead preconstruction estimating efforts for mid-sized commercial projects. You will own quantity take-offs, subcontractor analysis, and budget creation, ensuring alignment with scope and constructability.

You will build cost databases, review proposals, present conceptual estimates, and support design development. The role requires strong Excel, Bluebeam, and Procore skills, plus the ability to lead internal

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in construction estimating, with a focus on commercial or mid-sized projects.
• Demonstrated success managing cost estimates independently from schematic through bid.
• Strong ability to interpret construction documents and specifications with precision.
• Experience with Excel and Word; familiarity with Bluebeam and Procore preferred.
• Knowledge of subcontractor markets, scope writing, and proposal evaluation.
• OSHA-10, OSHA-30, or Residential Builders License are a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for accurate cost estimates.
• Build and maintain cost databases using historical benchmarks and vendor pricing.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals and ensure alignment with scope, schedule, and risk.
• Prepare and present conceptual estimates and budgets for internal planning and client use.
• Support schematic and design development phases by advising teams on cost alignment.
• Lead internal estimating meetings to review assumptions, validate inputs, and assess risk.
• Identify and recommend value engineering options to improve cost-efficiency and constructability.
• Maintain detailed records of estimates, bid clarifications, subcontractor quotes, and cost decisions.
• Serve as the cost estimating lead for mid-sized projects, supporting Project Managers and Design Leads.

Skills

Quantity takeoffs

Subcontractor analysis

Budget creation

Value engineering

Estimate leadership

Schematic & bid knowledge

Cost data management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

Bluebeam

Procore

Job description

As an Estimator at Progressive Companies, you will lead technical preconstruction estimating efforts that guide early project decisions and cost certainty. You’ll own quantity take-offs, subcontractor analysis, and budget creation, ensuring internal alignment and constructability. This role is ideal for someone energized by detailed estimating, data accuracy, and value engineering.

Deliver Results

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for accurate cost estimates.
• Build and maintain cost databases using historical $/SF benchmarks, labor rates, and vendor pricing.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals and ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, and risk.
• Prepare and present conceptual estimates and budgets for internal planning and client use.
• Support schematic and design development phases by advising teams on cost alignment.
• Lead internal estimating meetings to review assumptions, validate inputs, and assess risk.
• Identify and recommend value engineering options to improve cost-efficiency and constructability.
• Maintain detailed records of estimates, bid clarifications, subcontractor quotes, and cost decisions.
• Serve as the cost estimating lead for mid-sized projects, supporting Project Managers and Design Leads.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in construction estimating, with a focus on commercial or mid-sized projects.
• Demonstrated success managing cost estimates independently from schematic through bid.
• Strong ability to interpret construction documents and specifications with precision.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and Word; experience with Bluebeam and Procore preferred.
• Knowledge of subcontractor markets, scope writing, and proposal evaluation.
• OSHA-10, OSHA-30, or Residential Builders License are a plus.