Project Estimator

JRM Construction Management; Carlstadt (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction management firm in Carlstadt, NJ is seeking a Project Estimator to manage bid processes and accurately estimate project costs. The ideal candidate will possess a four-year degree or equivalent experience, demonstrating strong time management and organizational skills. Responsibilities include preparing detailed estimates, maintaining client relationships, and analyzing discrepancies in project costs. This role demands attention to detail, ability to work autonomously, and proficiency in reading construction plans. Competitive compensation offered.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree and/or at least three years of relevant experience in Estimating, Purchasing, or Quantity Surveying.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency in reading commercial construction plans.
• Work autonomously through the bid process with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire bid process, preparing detailed bid packages.
• Prepare estimates for all design stages and scope.
• Maintain client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimated and actual costs.
• Prepare subcontractor bid forms and scopes of work for all trades.
• Provide itemized cost breakdowns for client approval at schematic design.
• Review designs to ensure accurate pricing and value engineering opportunities.
• Ensure estimates align with contract requirements and corporate guidelines.
• Assist in logistics planning and translate to project costs.
• Compile award packages for purchasing once approved and engage vendors as needed.
• Maintain client relationships and track cost variances post-project.
• Attend meetings to discuss pricing and resolve issues related to estimates.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Proficiency in reading construction plans

Ability to work autonomously

Education

Four-year degree or three years of relevant experience in Estimating

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Procore

Timberline

Job description

Job Summary

The Project Estimator serves a vital function in the growth of JRM. As you will be responsible for accurately estimating the total costs associated with a project. A challenging position that requires fine attention to detail; the candidate must demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure, especially when facing bid deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and manage the entire bid process (CM and GC) inclusive of preparation of detailed bid packages and assure accurate and proper submissions/proposals by all subcontractors.
• Prepare estimates with the proper level of detail for all design stages: Conceptual, Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents.
• Prepare quantity take-offs and estimate costs of materials, labor, and use of equipment required to fulfill all provisions of the contract.
• Solicit proposals based on drawings, bid packages and subcontractor walk through for each trade.
• Prepare subcontractor bid forms, scopes of work, etc. for all trades involved in each project.
• Provide an itemized hard and soft cost breakdown for client approval at the end of Schematic Design;
• Review design documents for proper information to receive accurate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers, generate acceptable value engineering ideas, and prepare life cycle costing.
• Ensure that estimates comply with the requirements of the overall construction contract and are consistent with corporate guidelines.
• Assist in the creation of logistics plans and accurately translate them to direct project costs.
• Compile detailed award packages to pass on to the purchasing team after estimate approval.Consult with architects, subcontractors, and material suppliers to discuss and formulate estimates, effect cost reductions, and resolve issues.
• Actively research, solicit, and develop sources/vendors for compiling and maintaining accuracy of cost information.
• Maintain current on trends in and changes to existing construction codes to ensure complete bids from subcontractors and material suppliers.
• Attend client and/or team meetings to discuss estimates, answer any questions and resolve any issues regarding pricing and estimates.
• Ensure a complete review of plans and drawings, identify items that have been omitted and ensure appropriate accounting for such items in an overall estimate package that represents the full scope of the project.
• Maintain client relationships throughout the project life cycle, ensuring client satisfaction with the project.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimated costs to actual costs and determine the reason for any discrepancies.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree and/or at least three years of relevant experience in Estimating, Purchasing, or Quantity Surveying
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrate proficiency in reading commercial construction plans and specifications
• Ability to formulate scope when given minimal direction on design, whether it’s incomplete drawings or ambiguous information.
• Ability to work autonomously on estimates from the beginning to end of the bid process.
• Ability to convey complex estimating data to audiences of varying levels and knowledge of construction.

Computer Systems

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Procore (preferred but not required), and Timberline (preferred but not required)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at JRM without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

The salary range listed in job postings reflects the Company’s good‑faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as position tier, geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skills.

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