Project Estimator - Specialty Construction

Kforce Inc; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kforce Inc. is seeking a Project Estimator - Specialty Construction in Grand Rapids, MI.

You will develop accurate estimates by evaluating drawings, labor, materials, equipment, and schedules while managing customer communication through bids and handing off to project management for execution. The role requires 3–5 years of relevant estimating experience, proficiency with takeoffs and cost databases, and strong collaboration with drafting, operations, and field teams.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications to develop quantity and cost estimates.
• Experience with labor, material, equipment costing and bid submissions preferred.
• Exposure to specialty walls systems, commercial construction, fabrication or field installation operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review RFQs, drawings, specs, narratives, renderings, addenda to define scope, exclusions and assumptions.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and estimates for materials, labor, equipment, logistics, and installation methods.
• Assess constructability, site constraints, sequencing, labor productivity, and bid risks; identify clarifications and cost-effective alternatives.
• Develop preliminary milestones and installation assumptions aligned to customer schedule for refinement.
• Prepare and submit accurate, timely bids and supporting documentation.
• Serve as the primary customer contact during bidding.
• Participate in reviews with Lead Estimator to discuss bid progress and strategy.
• Coordinate with drafting and project management to validate scope and constructability.
• Work with operations and purchasing to test pricing, labor, and equipment needs.
• Support scope changes and estimate reconciliation during project execution.
• Capture actual cost and field feedback to improve estimating data for future bids.

Skills

Blueprint interpretation

Takeoff & estimating

Construction knowledge

Costing & pricing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client that is seeking a Project Estimator - Specialty Construction in Grand Rapids, MI. Summary: In this role, you will develop complete, accurate, and competitive estimates for assigned opportunities by evaluating drawings, specifications, labor, materials, equipment, schedules, and project risks. You will manage customer communication through the bidding process and provide a thorough, documented handoff to project management and field operations to support safe execution and profitable project delivery. Responsibilities:

• Review RFQs, drawings, specifications, narratives, renderings, addenda, and related bid documents to define scope, exclusions, assumptions, and compliance requirements
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and estimates for materials, labor, equipment, logistics, and installation methods; Validate calculations and pricing inputs
• Assess constructability, site constraints, sequencing, labor productivity, and bid risks; Identify clarifications and cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing requirements
• Develop preliminary project milestones and installation assumptions aligned to the customer schedule for subsequent refinement by project management and field operations
• Prepare and submit accurate, timely bids and supporting documentation
• Serve as the primary customer contact during bidding
• Participate in recurring reviews with the Lead Estimator to discuss bid progress, pipeline priorities, competitiveness, and strategy
• Coordinate with drafting/detailing and project management to validate scope representation, constructability, project details, and installation
• Work with operations and purchasing to test material pricing, labor assumptions, vendor input, and equipment needs
• Support scope changes, pricing questions, and estimate reconciliation during project execution as requested
• Capture actual cost and field feedback to improve estimating assumptions, historical data, and future bid accuracy

Requirements

• 3-5 years of relevant estimating, construction, manufacturing-related project, or comparable technical experience preferred
• Experience with labor, material, and equipment costing and construction bid submissions preferred
• Exposure to specialty wall systems, commercial construction, fabrication/manufacturing, or field installation operations preferred
• Proficiency in spreadsheets and digital estimating or takeoff tools; Familiarity with historical cost databases preferred
• Demonstrated ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications and develop quantity and cost estimates

Skills & Capabilities:

• Blueprint & Specification Interpretation: Identifies requirements, quantities, interfaces, and potential scope gaps
• Quantitative & Analytical Skills: Performs accurate takeoffs, advanced calculations, pricing analysis, and estimate checks
• Construction & Field Knowledge: Understands installation methods, labor productivity, equipment, and constructability
• Risk Assessment & Commercial Judgment: Challenges assumptions, identifies exposure, and balances competitiveness with margin discipline
• Forward Planning: Visualizes project sequencing, site conditions, and downstream operational impacts
• Technology Proficiency: Works efficiently with estimating tools, spreadsheets, digital drawings, and project information systems
• Organization & Deadline Management: Prioritizes multiple bids and maintains complete, traceable records
• Communication & Collaboration: Works effectively with customers, estimators, project managers, and field leaders
• Professional Skepticism, Adaptability, Integrity & Composure: Verifies inputs, adjusts to addenda, and makes sound decisions under pressure

Work Environment & Travel:

• Primarily office-based with coordination across project teams; Occasional pre-bid/site visits, short-term travel, and flexibility around bid deadlines

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.