Senior Cost Estimator

OCMI, Inc. (O'Connor Construction Management); Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/Hybrid flexibility

Medical/Dental/Vision & Life Insurance

401K with company match

Paid holidays / sick leave / vacation

Team building & employee events

Job summary

OCMI, Inc. is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to join our Irvine, CA team. This role leads the development of complex project estimates, delivers strategic cost guidance, and partners with clients and project teams to ensure successful outcomes.

As a senior member of our cost management practice, you will drive key decisions, identify risks and opportunities, and mentor junior staff while supporting business development and QA/QC procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a cost estimating professional, preferably with client interfacing experience.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency with cost-estimating software and Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Create and lead estimates, studies, analyses, and evaluations across project development stages.
• Provide conceptual and detailed takeoffs, review change orders, and support value engineering.
• Develop cost estimates/models communicating client goals and project scope.
• Mentor estimating staff to support professional growth and team performance.
• Ensure QA/QC procedures to present a quality product to clients.
• Communicate clearly with project teams and clients to align on cost expectations.
• Research and develop cost data sources/vendors for accurate estimates.
• Support business development by preparing cost exhibits for proposals and meetings.

Skills

Cost estimating

OST software

Microsoft Excel

Client communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction/engineering/architecture

Tools

OST (On-Screen Takeoff)

Job description

At OCMI, our core values—One Team, Curiosity, Meaningful Service, and Integrity—drive everything we do. Founded in 1982 and still privately owned, we've become one of the nation's fastest-growing construction management consultancies. Serving markets across federal, education, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and commercial sectors, we offer comprehensive services including cost management, project management, scheduling, and project controls. Most importantly, our teams are passionate about supporting each other and making a difference in the communities we serve.

We're thrilled to welcome a California-based Senior Cost Estimator to our team in Irvine, CA. In this role, you'll serve as a trusted cost advisor, leading the development of complex project estimates, providing strategic cost guidance, and partnering with clients and project teams to support successful project outcomes. As a senior member of our cost management practice, you'll help drive key decisions and identify project risks and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Create and lead estimates, studies, analyses, and evaluations at all levels of project development.
• Provide conceptual-level estimates, detailed quantity take-off, change order reviews/reconciliations, and value engineering solutions as necessary
• Develop and present a detailed review of all documentation and develop comprehensive cost estimates/models that communicate the client’s project and strategic goals
• Provide mentorship and training to estimating staff and direct reports, supporting professional growth and team performance
• Ensure a quality product is presented to the client by adhering to QA/QC procedures
• Communicate effectively through clear and concise means appropriate to the project goals
• Actively research, solicit, and develop sources/vendors for compiling and maintaining the accuracy of cost information
• Support business development efforts by developing, promoting, and maintaining client relationships by creating cost exhibits for proposals, meetings, presentations, etc.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years as a cost estimating professional, preferably as a consultant, to include, but not limited to, client interfacing engagement, conceptual estimating, take-offs, change order review/reconciliation, value engineering solutions, etc.
• Ability to understand and accurately interpret construction documents (drawings, specifications).
• Proficient user of On-Screen Takeoff (OST) software or similar quantity takeoff software preferred.
• Ability to work independently
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or architecture is preferred.

Benefits include

• Remote/Hybrid flexibility
• Company-sponsored Medical/Dental/Vision and Life Insurance
• 401K Program with a Company Match
• Paid Holidays / Sick Leave / Vacation Accrual
• Company Team Building, Employee Events, and a fun, people-first environment

Compensation: $145,000.00 - $155,000.00

OCMI, Inc. (OCMI) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCMI does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.