Senior Commercial Estimator – Preconstruction Expert

Actalent; Ohio; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Estimator to develop accurate estimates for a range of commercial construction projects in Ohio, from conceptual through detailed pricing and bid development.

You will lead quantity takeoffs, manage subcontractor bids, and build comprehensive cost summaries, while coordinating with project teams to ensure competitive, well‑documented estimates aligned with client requirements.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of estimating experience with a commercial general contractor or equivalent.
• Proven ability to prepare conceptual through detailed estimates for commercial renovations, tenant improvements, site/civil work, structural packages, and MEP‑intensive scopes.
• Demonstrated proficiency across CSI Divisions 02–33, including coordination and integration of MEP scopes.
• Strong command of quantity takeoff techniques and scope leveling for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP trades.
• Track record of effective bid‑day organization, including managing multiple subcontractor bids and last‑minute changes.
• Hands‑on experience using estimating software and digital tools for commercial construction.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Forma for model‑based or design‑integrated estimating workflows.
• Proficiency with ProEst or similar estimating platforms to develop, organize, and report estimates.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, data organization, and reporting for estimating and cost analysis.
• Solid understanding of building codes, permitting processes, and requirements related to Ohio public and private projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear estimate documentation and reports.
• Ability to lead preconstruction discussions, present cost options, and negotiate effectively with subcontractors and suppliers.
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work under deadlines in a bid‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, construction document, and guaranteed maximum price estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Develop alternates and value‑engineering options that improve cost efficiency while maintaining design intent and project quality.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP scopes using plans, specifications, and related documents.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies in drawings and specifications and communicate them clearly to the project team.
• Solicit, scope, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals across all trades to ensure complete and competitive coverage.
• Evaluate and compare subcontractor bids, confirm inclusions and exclusions, and address clarifications and assumptions with bidders.
• Build comprehensive estimate summaries and schedules of values, organized by CSI division and project phase.
• Document and present estimate assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, contingencies, and risk items to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain, update, and improve cost databases, unit prices, assemblies, and historical benchmarks to enhance estimating accuracy.
• Lead and coordinate pre‑bid requests for information, review addenda, and incorporate changes into estimates in a timely manner.
• Provide constructability, means‑and‑methods, and sequencing input during preconstruction to help optimize project delivery.
• Partner closely with project managers to support smooth turnover from preconstruction to operations, including buy‑out strategy and budget tracking.
• Contribute to schedule‑based estimating by aligning quantities and costs with project phasing, milestones, and logic.
• Support owner and design team meetings by presenting cost information, options, and recommendations clearly and professionally.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, and design professionals throughout the estimating and preconstruction process.

Skills

Estimating experience

Estimating breadth

CSI Division coordination

Quantity takeoff

Bid-day organization

Estimating tools usage

Lead preconstruction discussions

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Code understanding (Ohio)

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Autodesk Forma

ProEst

Excel

Job description

Actalent is seeking an Estimator to develop accurate estimates for a range of commercial construction projects in Ohio, from conceptual through detailed pricing and bid development.

You will lead quantity takeoffs, manage subcontractor bids, and build comprehensive cost summaries, while coordinating with project teams to ensure competitive, well‑documented estimates aligned with client requirements.