Senior Cost Estimator

LeChase Construction; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

LeChase Construction seeks an experienced Lead Estimator to guide early-stage estimating and preconstruction for commercial projects across the Northeast. You will develop conceptual budgets from minimal design data and interpret drawings, specs, and site conditions to set reliable cost guidance.

The role requires coordinating with owners, architects, engineers, developers, and internal teams, with strong communication to articulate cost drivers, risks, and value-engineering options through

Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction experience.
• Extensive knowledge of estimating/budgeting methods.
• Proficiency with construction software and tools.
• Ability to coordinate a team of estimators and review plans under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and early-stage estimating for Northeast projects.
• Develop conceptual budgets and preliminary estimates from limited design info.
• Interpret drawings, specs, narratives, and site conditions for cost guidance.
• Coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, developers, and teams.
• Manage the estimating team and consolidate estimates into reports.

Skills

Estimating

Cost budgeting

Team coordination

Project scheduling

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate/Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or construction management

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible to lead the early-stage estimating and preconstruction process for commercial construction projects throughout the Northeast.

The position develops conceptual budgets and preliminary estimates from limited design information, interpreting architectural and structural drawings, specifications, narratives, and site conditions while applying regional labor, material, subcontractor, and market pricing.

The role works closely with owners, architects, engineers, developers, and internal project teams to define project scope, identify cost drivers and risks, develop value-engineering opportunities, and provide reliable cost guidance from initial concept through design development. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to clearly articulate complex cost, scope, and design considerations, build trust with project stakeholders, and effectively guide teams through the preconstruction process.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Overall responsibility to manage the preconstruction effort for those projects to which he or she is designated the lead estimator.
• Schedule kickoff meetings, progress review meetings, and final estimate reviews.
• Coordinate with the internal and external customer to ensure all entities are coordinated regarding deliverables and meetings.
• Disseminate all required follow up actions to the entire estimating team involved in the effort. This could include value engineering, drawing revisions, etc.
• Merge all independent estimates into one common estimate file which the lead estimator will manage to prepare the necessary reports to both internal and external customers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education/Experience:
• High school diploma required. Associates/Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a similar field preferred.
• 10+ year of construction experience.
• Basic knowledge of safety policies and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of construction cost estimating/budgeting methods and procedures.
• High level of proficiency with construction-related software and tools, methodologies, and best practices.
• Must have expert knowledge and understanding of unit costs and the factors that affect construction cost.
• Ability to coordinate a team of estimators to develop a large multidisciplinary estimate.
• Demonstrated ability to review project plans, requirements, and specifications accurately and under time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to understand project logistics and project schedule.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.