Preconstruction Estimator

Buffalo Construction, Inc.; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffalo Construction, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Preconstruction Estimator to join our Louisville, KY team. You will turn bold project visions into cost-conscious realities before a shovel hits the ground, collaborating with design, operations, and client partners to set clear budgets and schedules.

You will build detailed cost models, track risks, and continuously improve estimating tools and processes to drive accuracy and efficiency across diverse project types.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and preliminary estimates with limited information for project feasibility.
• Lead early planning sessions and align scope, budget, and feasibility with clients.
• Act as liaison between Preconstruction, Operations, and the project team.
• Analyze market data, trends, and constructability to improve estimating accuracy.
• Help build and refine SOPs and estimating tools for efficiency and consistency.

Skills

Construction estimating

Preconstruction planning

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Procore

Excel

Estimating software

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.