Senior Estimator

Scott Humphrey Corporation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Scott Humphrey is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction efforts for ground-up retail and commercial projects in Texas. The role emphasizes conceptual estimating, budgeting, and early-stage cost planning, with a path to Preconstruction Manager/Leader.

You will partner with owners, developers, architects, and consultants to establish budgets and drive value, while mentoring junior estimators and supporting client presentations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience with a Commercial General Contractor.
• Proven experience estimating ground-up retail projects.
• Develop conceptual and schematic estimates from incomplete design packages (50% drawings or less).
• Experience providing innovative budgeting solutions and early-design guidance.
• Expertise in value engineering, constructability review, and cost planning.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction means, methods and market pricing.
• Proficiency with estimating software and quantity takeoff tools.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills; able to mentor junior estimators.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and estimating for ground-up retail and commercial projects from concept through award.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design-development, GMP, and hard-bid estimates from limited drawings.
• Prepare budgets using 50% drawings or earlier design phases.
• Collaborate with owners, developers, architects, and consultants on budgets and cost expectations.
• Provide value engineering recommendations to reduce costs.
• Lead scope reviews and ensure complete project coverage during estimating.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the preconstruction team's growth.
• Support business development with client presentations and preconstruction meetings.
• Oversee seamless turnover of awarded projects to operations.

Skills

Estimating experience (5+ yrs)

Ground-up retail

Conceptual estimates

Budgeting strategies

Preconstruction leadership

Tools

Estimating software

Quantity takeoff tools

Preconstruction platforms

Job description

Austin, TX

Join a respected General Contractor with a strong pipeline of ground-up retail and commercial projects across Texas. We are seeking a Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction efforts on retail developments, drive conceptual estimating initiatives, and help build the next generation of preconstruction leadership within the organization.

Scott Humphrey has partnered with a highly respected General Contractor to identify a Senior Estimator who will play a key leadership role within their Preconstruction team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator with a strong background in ground-up retail construction, conceptual estimating, and early-stage budgeting who is looking to grow into a future Preconstruction Manager/Leader position.

With a healthy backlog and strong relationships with repeat clients, the company is seeking a professional who can provide strategic cost guidance from project inception through final pricing while helping secure high-profile commercial and retail projects throughout Texas.

What You’ll Do

• Lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for ground-up retail and commercial projects from concept through award.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design-development, GMP, and hard-bid estimates, often from incomplete drawing sets.
• Prepare accurate budgets using limited design information, including projects at 50% drawings or earlier design phases.
• Partner with owners, developers, architects, and consultants to establish project budgets and cost expectations.
• Provide value engineering recommendations and creative cost-saving solutions throughout the design process.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, conceptual plans, and project requirements to identify potential cost and constructability concerns.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Lead scope reviews and ensure complete project coverage during the estimating process.
• Support business development efforts by participating in client presentations and preconstruction meetings.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators while contributing to the growth and success of the preconstruction department.
• Facilitate seamless turnover of awarded projects to Operations teams.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of estimating experience with a Commercial General Contractor.
• Proven experience estimating ground-up retail projects, preferably within fast-paced, concept-driven environments.
• Strong ability to develop conceptual and schematic estimates from incomplete design packages, including projects based on 50% drawings or less.
• Experience providing "outside-the-box" budgeting solutions and strategic preconstruction guidance during early design phases.
• Expertise in conceptual estimating, value engineering, constructability review, and cost planning.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction means, methods, and market pricing.
• Proficiency with estimating software, quantity takeoff tools, and preconstruction technology platforms.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client-facing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with owners, architects, and internal stakeholders.
• Leadership mindset with the desire and potential to grow into a Preconstruction Manager/Preconstruction Leader role in the future.
• Ability to mentor junior estimators and contribute to the continued development of the preconstruction team.

About Scott Humphrey

We are a national recruitment practice specializing in Construction, Real Estate, Legal, Pharma/Med Devices, Digital Marketing, Creative, & Shared Services recruitment. We focus on establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with industry leaders through the consistent delivery of top talent in this candidate-driven market.

We understand the challenges our candidates and clients face when working with firms lacking the agility to adapt to their partner's needs. Our goal at SH is to fill that gap by offering unique tailored solutions to each of our partners regardless of title or company size.