Senior Construction Estimator

Edwards Construction Group, Inc.; Arroyo Grande (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(K) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Edwards Construction Group, Inc. in Arroyo Grande, California is seeking a Senior Construction Estimator to lead estimating efforts for complex commercial projects. This role requires at least 8 years of estimating experience and a strong understanding of construction methods and materials.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $140,000 - $150,000 USD, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance and 401(K) matching.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of estimating experience with senior-level responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and cost structures.
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and budget development.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and cost planning efforts from concept through issued GMP.
• Review construction documents to scope work accurately.
• Prepare competitive estimates and bid packages aligned with project scope.

Skills

Estimating experience in commercial construction

Strong knowledge of construction methods

Analytical problem-solving

Ability to read construction drawings

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

Procore

Sage

Job description

Overview

Edwards Construction Group is a premier commercial construction firm that has been building the critical infrastructure for communities across California for decades. We believe in an integrated, hands-on approach to building and in empowering our people, not just constructing great projects. With a team of nearly one-hundred industry professionals, we deliver projects across key sectors, including K-12, Higher Education, Civic, and Private Commercial. Our expertise is rooted in a commitment to excellence, driven by innovation in technology, and grounded in an uncompromising dedication to safety. At ECG, we provide mentorship and growth opportunities in a collaborative environment where every voice is valued.

About the Role

The Senior Construction Estimator plays a critical role in the early success of every project. You will be responsible for developing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission. Working closely with Preconstruction, Operations, and Executive Leadership, you will help ensure every bid is complete, competitive, and aligned with project goals. This is not just a takeoff role; it is a strategic position that requires strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and proactive collaboration across teams.

You will lead preconstruction services for complex commercial construction projects delivered through progressive design-build, CMAR, and negotiated delivery methods, where the contractor is responsible for establishing and validating the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). This role functions as both a technical estimator and a strategic project partner, collaborating with owners, designers, and internal operations teams to develop accurate budgets, manage risk, and guide projects from conceptual planning through final GMP. You will play a key role in winning work, shaping project scope, and ensuring financial success before construction begins.

Job Duties

• You will lead estimating and cost planning efforts from concept through issued GMP, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates
• You will review construction documents to define and scope work accurately
• You will perform detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and unit pricing for materials, labor, equipment, and general conditions
• You will prepare complete, competitive, and defendable estimates, proposals, and bid packages aligned with project scope and contract requirements
• You will coordinate all aspects of the estimating process, including bid management, documentation tracking, and pre-award negotiations
• You will solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids, maintaining qualified subcontractor/vendor lists and assessing qualifications and financial stability
• You will validate quantities, production rates, market pricing, and GMP assumptions, including risk, allowances, and contingency strategies
• You will facilitate progressive design-build pricing evolution and provide value analysis, constructability input, and cost guidance to the project team
• You will participate in owner, architect, and design meetings as the contractor's cost advisor
• You will reconcile estimates with design teams and owner representatives and track design changes and budget impacts in real time
• You will prepare and present detailed estimate narratives, bid summaries, and scope analyses to support decision-making
• You will guide subcontractor buyout strategy, early trade partner involvement, and procurement planning for long-lead items and escalation risks
• You will support post-bid activities, including project buyout assistance and cost clarifications for Project Managers
• You will maintain and develop estimating databases, historical cost data, pricing resources, and trade rate references
• You will continuously improve estimating processes and workflows to increase accuracy and efficiency

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of estimating experience in commercial and/or public works construction with senior-level responsibility for complex projects
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and cost structures
• Experience performing quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, budget development, and producing accurate, competitive estimates under deadlines
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts
• Experience soliciting, evaluating, and leveling subcontractor and supplier bids
• Experience supporting value engineering, cost optimization, and risk analysis
• Experience with Progressive Design-Build, Lease-Leaseback, CMAR, Negotiated / Relationship-Based Contracts, Early Contractor Involvement, and Multi-Phase GMP development
• Understanding of project scheduling, sequencing, and site logistics as they relate to costs
• Proficiency in estimating and construction software (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Procore, Sage)
• Familiarity with local codes, permitting, and regulatory requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication for internal teams and external stakeholders

Personal Strengths

• Analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive problem-solver
• Self-motivated with a sense of ownership over projects
• Collaborative team player who works effectively across multiple departments
• Strong judgment and decision-making under pressure
• Adaptable in a fast-paced construction environment
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple bids and priorities
• Integrity and professionalism when interacting with clients, vendors, and subcontractors
• Clear and effective communicator

Benefits

Edwards Construction Group, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance
• 401(K) matching
• Paid time off

A typical hiring range for this position is $140,000 - $150,000 USD salary with the final offer based on your qualifications, job-related skills, and relevant experience. ECG's total rewards offering also includes comprehensive benefits, continuing education bonus program, and opportunities for career growth.

ECG is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.