Senior Commercial Estimator - Pre-Construction

Placed; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Placed is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare complete and accurate cost estimates for commercial construction projects during pre-construction and bidding. The role reports to the Vice President of Estimating and includes analyzing plans, developing takeoffs, and soliciting subcontractor pricing.

The candidate will review drawings and bid documents, coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams, identify risks, and support bid submissions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field or equivalent
• 3+ years of commercial construction estimating or pre-construction services
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, pricing strategies, and market conditions
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and contract documents
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, and hard bid estimates for commercial construction projects
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop complete quantity takeoffs and pricing
• Solicit, evaluate, and scope subcontractor and supplier proposals for completeness, accuracy, and competitiveness
• Coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, and internal operations teams throughout pre-construction
• Identify scope gaps, constructibility concerns, value engineering opportunities, and project risks
• Assist in preparing bid packages, clarifications, alternates, qualifications, and proposal documents
• Maintain and update historical cost data, unit pricing, and estimating databases
• Support project turnover from pre-construction to operations with clear handoff of estimate assumptions, scopes, and budgets
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and internal estimate reviews
• Represent Our Client professionally and support strong relationships with clients and trade partners

Skills

Estimating methods

Reading drawings

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Job description

Placed is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare complete and accurate cost estimates for commercial construction projects during pre-construction and bidding. The role reports to the Vice President of Estimating and includes analyzing plans, developing takeoffs, and soliciting subcontractor pricing.

The candidate will review drawings and bid documents, coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams, identify risks, and support bid submissions.