Senior Commercial Estimator & Preconstruction Leader

London Approach; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

London Approach is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to oversee estimating and preconstruction for a diverse range of commercial projects across the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. You will lead bid efforts, develop budgets, and build strong relationships with trade partners to drive profitable wins.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in commercial estimating, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and a proven ability to manage multiple pursuits, read complex drawings, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent construction experience.
• 8+ years of progressive commercial estimating and preconstruction experience including leadership.
• Experience estimating commercial work in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
• Strong relationships with regional subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, and engineers.
• Experience with hard-bid, negotiated, GMP, design-build and other delivery methods.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze drawings, specs, scopes of work, contracts, and schedules.
• Ability to develop detailed estimates and conceptual budgets from evolving designs.
• Proficient with estimating, bid-management, takeoff, spreadsheets, and project-management software.
• Strong analytical, financial, organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to present budgets and risk assessments to leadership and teams.
• Ability to manage multiple pursuits with tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate estimates, budgets, GMPs, proposals, and bid submissions for commercial construction projects.
• Manage the full estimating process from pursuit to turnover to operations.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, scope development, cost analysis, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and final estimate reviews.
• Develop conceptual estimates and detailed budgets at all design stages.
• Review drawings, specs, bid documents, and contract requirements to identify scope gaps, risks, and pricing considerations.
• Evaluate opportunities based on strategic fit, market conditions, staffing, risk, and profitability.
• Identify and mitigate estimating, scope, contractual, scheduling, procurement, and financial risks during preconstruction.
• Build relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, owners, developers, consultants.
• Strengthen trade-partner participation and bid coverage with complete scope alignment.
• Monitor regional market conditions: subcontractor availability, labor, pricing, and opportunities.
• Maintain historical cost data, unit pricing, and post-bid lessons learned.
• Collaborate with leadership and teams to support pursuits and growth.
• Lead and mentor estimators and junior team members; share best practices.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement across estimating.

Skills

Estimating

Leadership

Bid management

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Estimating software

Bid-management software

Project management software

Job description

London Approach is seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to oversee estimating and preconstruction for a diverse range of commercial projects across the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. You will lead bid efforts, develop budgets, and build strong relationships with trade partners to drive profitable wins.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in commercial estimating, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and a proven ability to manage multiple pursuits, read complex drawings, and