Location: Homestead, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Area)
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Location: In-Person
Key Skills: Commercial Construction Estimating, Conceptual Estimating, Cost Estimating, Quantity Takeoffs, Subcontractor Bid Analysis, Bid Management, Value Engineering, Cost Analysis, Project Budgets, Construction Drawings, Excel
Our client is an established commercial general contractor specializing in ground-up construction, commercial renovations, retail, restaurants, educational facilities, office buildings, automotive dealerships, and multifamily developments.
The company emphasizes high-quality project delivery, teamwork, cost efficiency, and long-term client relationships.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead the preparation and execution of competitive estimates for commercial construction projects.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience with conceptual budgeting, detailed cost estimating, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bid analysis, value engineering, and complete bid management. This position requires someone who can independently manage the estimating process from initial concept through final bid submission.
Why Join Us?
- Lead estimating for a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects
- Work across ground-up, renovation, retail, restaurant, education, office, automotive, and multifamily projects
- Opportunity to influence project strategy, pricing, and profitability
- Collaborate directly with project management, subcontractors, and vendors
- Mentor and support junior estimating professionals
- Competitive salary and bonus opportunities
- Long-term career advancement opportunities
Responsibilities
- Lead the full estimating process from conceptual budgets through final bid submissions
- Review architectural drawings, specifications, contracts, and construction documents
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, project budgets, and proposals
- Develop competitive bid strategies based on project scope, market conditions, and subcontractor pricing
- Manage multiple estimating projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Lead bid review and project turnover meetings
- Manage subcontractor bid solicitation, evaluation, and leveling
- Develop adequate subcontractor coverage for project scopes
- Evaluate subcontractor proposals for scope, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing
- Coordinate with subcontractors and vendors throughout the estimating process
- Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and construction industry partners
Cost Analysis & Value Engineering
- Evaluate labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, and general conditions costs
- Identify scope gaps, pricing risks, and potential cost exposures
- Identify value engineering opportunities
- Analyze project costs and develop recommendations to improve competitiveness and profitability
- Review market pricing and subcontractor coverage to support accurate estimates
- Coordinate with Project Managers and other internal teams during estimating and turnover
- Communicate project scope, assumptions, exclusions, budgets, and risks
- Support successful transition of awarded projects from estimating to operations
- Provide technical and estimating guidance to project teams
Team Development
- Support and mentor junior estimating personnel
- Review estimating processes and help improve accuracy and efficiency
- Share knowledge of commercial construction methods, pricing, and subcontractor markets
Qualifications
- 7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor
- Strong experience preparing conceptual estimates, hard bids, and detailed project budgets
- Ability to independently manage the complete estimating process
- Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, subcontractor trades, and building systems
- Experience reviewing construction drawings and specifications
- Strong experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor pricing, and cost analysis
- Experience managing subcontractor bids and bid leveling
- Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and time-management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent relevant experience
Preferred Experience
- Restaurants
- Retail
- Educational facilities
- Office buildings
- Multifamily construction
- Ground-up commercial construction
- Commercial renovations
- Supervising or mentoring estimating personnel
- Established subcontractor relationships within the Pittsburgh construction market
- Full-time position based in Homestead, Pennsylvania
- Located in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area
- In-person collaboration with project management, estimating, subcontractors, and vendors
- Requires the ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously
- May involve project site visits, pre-bid meetings, and subcontractor/vendor meetings