Project Estimator

Schema Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Range: $95k-120k

SEP IRA plan with company contribution

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Long-Term and Short-Term Disability

Life Insurance

Paid vacation days per year

Job summary

Schema Group, a hospitality renovation specialist, is seeking an experienced Construction Estimator in Chicago to review drawings, prepare quantity takeoffs, and develop cost estimates for hotel projects. This role collaborates with PM, procurement, and operations to deliver competitive bids while maintaining project timelines.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in construction estimating for a general contractor, strong takeoff skills, and proficiency with BlueBeam, Procore, and Excel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in construction estimating for a general contractor.
• Ability to read, interpret drawings, blueprints, specifications, and manuals.
• Proficiency with BlueBeam, Procore, Excel and estimating software.
• Strong math, analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings and specs.
• Perform detailed material quantity takeoffs from plans and documents.
• Calculate quantities for framing, drywall, finishes, flooring, roofing, doors and windows.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Identify discrepancies and potential scope gaps in drawings and specs.
• Prepare bid summaries, quantity reports, and detailed estimates for proposals.
• Request and evaluate pricing from subcontractors, vendors, and material suppliers.
• Compare subcontractor bids to ensure all scopes are included.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering options.
• Coordinate with project managers and field ops to verify quantities and constructability.
• Maintain organized estimating files and bid records; meet deadlines on multiple projects.

Skills

5+ years experience

Reading drawings

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Deadline oriented

Communication & coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related

Tools

BlueBeam

Procore

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Hospitality & Hotel Renovation Specialists

Location: Chicago, IL - In Office, 60642

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Schema Group

Schema Group is a licensed general contractor specializing in hotel renovations and hospitality construction nationwide. We partner with leading hospitality brands, hotel owners, operators, and boutique properties to deliver high-quality, schedule-driven renovation projects.

Our projects are fast-paced, detail-oriented, and highly collaborative, often requiring careful coordination within active and operational hotel environments. We pride ourselves on strong client relationships, disciplined project management, quality workmanship, and our ability to successfully execute complex renovations while minimizing disruption to hotel operations.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Construction Estimator to join our team at The Schema Group. The ideal candidate will be responsible for reviewing construction drawings, architectural plans, specifications, and other project documents to prepare accurate quantity takeoffs, material estimates and project cost estimates.

This individual will work closely with our Project Management, Operations, and Procurement team to evaluate project requirements, identify material quantities, solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing, and assist in preparing competitive and accurate bids for upcoming construction projects.

The ideal candidate must have a strong understanding of construction methods, materials, building systems, and the ability to interpret construction documents accurately.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other construction drawings and specifications.
• Perform detailed material quantity takeoffs from construction plans and documents.
• Calculate quantities for framing, drywall, finishes, flooring, roofing, doors, windows, and other construction materials applicable to each project.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project-related expenses.
• Identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential scope gaps in construction drawings and specifications.
• Prepare bid summaries, quantity reports, and detailed estimates for project proposals.
• Request and evaluate pricing from subcontractors, vendors, and material suppliers.
• Compare subcontractor bids to ensure all required scopes of work are included.
• Assist in identifying cost-saving opportunities, alternative materials, and value-engineering options.
• Coordinate with project managers and field operations to verify quantities, scope requirements, and constructability.
• Maintain organized estimating files, takeoff documents, pricing information, and bid records
• Meet estimating deadlines and support multiple projects simultaneously.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in construction estimating, quantity takeoffs, or preconstruction for a general contractor.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand construction drawings, blueprints, specifications, and project manuals.
• Strong knowledge of construction materials, building methods, and trade scopes.
• Experience preparing detailed material takeoffs and construction cost estimates.
• Proficiency with BlueBeam, Microsoft Excel, Procore and estimating software.
• String mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and coordination skills when working with project managers, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with a hospitality general contractor estimating hotel projects
• Knowledge of commercial construction projects, including ground-up construction and hotel renovations.
• Experience estimating multiple trades and reviewing subcontractor proposals
• Familiarity with construction budgets, bid leveling, and value engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Equivalent hands-on construction experience will also be considered.

Compensations & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $95k-120k
• Base salary based on 40 or more working hours per week
• SEP IRA plan with company contribution
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid vacation days per employment year

Schema Group is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or local law.