Senior Construction Estimator – Preconstruction & Bids

Appleton Finn; Ohio; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Profit-sharing opportunities

Long-term career progression

High value projects

Job summary

Appleton Finn is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our established general building contracting team, delivering a diverse portfolio of commercial and complex projects.

The successful candidate will develop accurate cost estimates, review drawings and bid documents, perform quantity takeoffs, and support competitive submissions across healthcare, education, offices, data centres, and manufacturing sectors. Strong analytical and collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an Estimator role with a general building contractor or commercial construction company.
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials and sequencing.
• Experience estimating ground-up construction, renovations or complex projects.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and contract documents.
• Proven experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor procurement and cost analysis.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for commercial and general building projects.
• Review drawings, specifications and bid documents to establish requirements.
• Conduct quantity takeoffs and calculate material, labour, equipment and subcontractor costs.
• Obtain and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop bid proposals, budgets and cost breakdowns.
• Identify risks, scope gaps, cost-saving opportunities and value engineering.
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents and design teams during estimating.
• Assist with bid strategy, pricing reviews and tender submissions.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Monitor market conditions, material pricing and labour costs.
• Support handovers to operations after bid awards.
• Manage multiple estimating assignments with deadlines and accuracy.

Skills

Estimating

Takeoffs

Cost analysis

Excel

Bid proposals

Communication

Collaboration

Preconstruction

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Appleton Finn is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our established general building contracting team, delivering a diverse portfolio of commercial and complex projects.

The successful candidate will develop accurate cost estimates, review drawings and bid documents, perform quantity takeoffs, and support competitive submissions across healthcare, education, offices, data centres, and manufacturing sectors. Strong analytical and collaboration skills are essential.