Preconstruction Estimator

BUFFALO CONSTRUCTION INC; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction company is seeking a Preconstruction Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates and foster collaboration across teams. This role requires at least 5 years of estimating experience and proficiency in Procore and Excel. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or relevant experience. Join a team committed to continuous improvement and recognize the value of collaboration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Strong proficiency in Procore, Excel, and estimating software.
• Exceptional communication skills and a passion for collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and preliminary estimates with limited information.
• Act as a trusted partner to clients and internal departments.
• Build detailed and accurate cost models for project types.

Skills

Construction estimating

Procore

Excel

Estimating software

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Relevant experience

Job description

At Buffalo Construction, we don’t just build restaurants, retail, and recreation spaces—we build remarkable experiences for our client partners. As a Preconstruction Estimator, you’ll play a pivotal role at the heart of every project, turning bold visions into clear, cost-conscious realities before a shovel ever hits the ground.

If you're a strategic thinker who thrives on solving puzzles, collaborating with powerhouse teams, and bringing structure to creativity, this is your calling.

What You’ll Do:

Project Feasibility

• Use your expertise and market intel to develop conceptual and preliminary estimates with limited information.
• Identify pricing risks and help client partners make confident, data-backed site selection decisions.
• Set clear expectations for timelines involving zoning, design, permitting, and early due diligence.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as a trusted partner to clients, design teams, and internal departments to ensure alignment from day one.
• Lead early planning sessions that bring scope, budget, and feasibility into perfect sync.
• Serve as the liaison between Preconstruction, Operations, and the rest of the project team.

Market Research & Constructability

• Keep a pulse on labor markets, material trends, and construction methods.
• Analyze historical data, forecasts, and benchmarks to increase estimating accuracy and reduce surprises.
• Align material selections with budget goals and flag constructability concerns early in design.

Process Improvement

• Champion continuous improvement by refining tools, processes, and estimating techniques.
• Collaborate across departments to build smarter systems that drive speed and precision.
• Help develop and enhance SOPs that make us more efficient, consistent, and client-focused.

Cost Estimation

• Build detailed, accurate cost models for a diverse range of project types and scopes.
• Factor in soft costs, logistics, and realistic contingencies to create airtight budgets.
• Track and improve long‑term accuracy of estimates from budget to contract to completion.

What You Bring:

• 5+ years of construction estimating or preconstruction experience
• Strong proficiency in Procore, Excel, and estimating software
• A keen eye for reading plans, specs, and scopes
• Exceptional communication skills and a passion for collaboration
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or relevant experience preferred

Why Buffalo?

At Buffalo, we’re fueled by our values: Celebration, Commitment, Continuous Improvement, and Compassion. We believe in doing the right thing—even when it’s hard. You’ll be part of a team that celebrates wins, learns from challenges, and never stops raising the bar.