Preconstruction Estimator

Navigate Search; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

401k plan

Stable contractor

Collaborative team

Variety of projects

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Navigate Search is seeking a Preconstruction Estimator for its Rosemont, IL area projects. You will lead early-stage estimating for industrial and commercial builds, develop accurate budgets, and collaborate with architects, engineers, and owners to define scope and vision.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of design-build estimating, strong knowledge of cost components, and proficiency with estimating software and MS Office. A related bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial or industrial estimating experience.
• Experience with design-build and/or negotiated construction preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Experience estimating ground-up construction, renovations, expansions, or tenant improvements.
• Ability to independently perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and preconstruction efforts from initial concept through contract award.
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates for commercial and industrial projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project requirements to identify costs and risks.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor bids.
• Develop competitive bid packages and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Work with architects, engineers, owners, developers, and internal teams during preconstruction.
• Participate in design reviews and provide value engineering and cost-saving recommendations.
• Assist with budgeting, scheduling, constructability reviews, and preliminary project planning.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, risks, and opportunities before projects move into construction.
• Prepare and present estimates, budgets, and bid proposals to clients and internal leadership.
• Participate in client meetings and help develop project strategies aligned with budget and schedule objectives.
• Support project turnover by communicating estimate assumptions, scope, pricing, and risks to the project management team.
• Maintain knowledge of subcontractor pricing, material costs, labor trends, and local market conditions.

Skills

Estimating

Analytical

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

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

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Rosemont, IL

About the Company

A well-established design-build general contractor is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Estimator to join its growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for an estimator who enjoys being involved early in the project lifecycle and wants to play a key role in developing competitive, accurate, and profitable construction solutions.

The company specializes in industrial and commercial construction, including build-to-suit facilities, manufacturing, warehouse/distribution, food processing, expansions, tenant improvements, and specialty projects throughout the Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Southeast Wisconsin markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and preconstruction efforts from initial concept through contract award
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates for commercial and industrial projects
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project requirements to identify potential costs and risks
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor bids
• Develop competitive bid packages and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers
• Work closely with architects, engineers, owners, developers, and internal project teams throughout preconstruction
• Participate in design reviews and provide value engineering and cost-saving recommendations
• Assist with budgeting, scheduling, constructability reviews, and preliminary project planning
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, risks, and opportunities before projects move into construction
• Prepare and present estimates, budgets, and bid proposals to clients and internal leadership
• Participate in client meetings and help develop project strategies that align with budget and schedule objectives
• Support project turnover by clearly communicating estimate assumptions, scope, pricing, and potential risks to the project management team
• Maintain current knowledge of subcontractor pricing, material costs, labor trends, and local market conditions

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial or industrial construction estimating experience
• Experience with design-build and/or negotiated construction preferred
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, materials, and sequencing
• Experience estimating ground‑up construction, renovations, expansions, or tenant improvement projects
• Ability to independently perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates
• Strong subcontractor and vendor relationships throughout the Chicagoland market preferred
• Proficiency with construction estimating software and Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred but not required

What’s Offered

• Strong project-based bonus opportunities
• 401k w/ company match to 4%
• Stable, established design‑build contractor with a strong project portfolio
• Collaborative team environment with significant client interaction
• Opportunity to work on a variety of high‑profile industrial and commercial projects
• Long‑term growth opportunity with an established Chicago‑area contractor

Ideal Candidate: An estimator who is more than a number‑cruncher — someone who understands construction, can communicate confidently with clients and subcontractors, recognizes risk early, and enjoys helping develop a project from the initial concept through successful execution.