Senior Estimator

Ellaway Blues Consulting; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellaway Blues Consulting seeks a Senior Estimator to support its growing Austin project portfolio. Lead detailed estimates for large-scale projects, analyze drawings and specs, prepare takeoffs, and craft competitive bids in collaboration with project management, operations, and business development teams.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in CM/Engineering/Architecture and 10+ years of estimating experience on complex projects, with proficiency in estimating software and strong analytical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• 10+ years of construction estimating experience on large or complex projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor requirements, subcontractor pricing, and project cost development.
• Experience with quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, bid comparisons, and estimate reviews.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software and related cost management tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, develop, and review detailed construction estimates for large-scale projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, bid documents, and front-end information to establish accurate project costs.
• Develop quantity takeoffs, labor estimates, material pricing, equipment costs, and subcontractor pricing.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to obtain and evaluate pricing.
• Identify risks, scope gaps, and cost-saving opportunities affecting estimates and execution.
• Participate in bid reviews, bid-day preparation, and final estimate reconciliation.
• Collaborate with preconstruction leadership, PMs, operations, and business development on bidding strategies.
• Assist with cost planning, value engineering, and constructability reviews to optimize costs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project coordination

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management / Engineering / Architecture

Tools

Estimating software

Cost management tools

Job description

We are partnering with a well-established construction organization to identify an experienced Senior Estimator to support its growing project portfolio.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong estimating professional with experience managing complex construction estimates, developing competitive bids, analyzing project costs, and collaborating with project management, operations, and business development teams.

The successful candidate will play a key role throughout the preconstruction and bidding process, ensuring estimates are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with project requirements and business objectives. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to significant construction projects while working alongside an experienced team of construction and preconstruction professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, develop, and review detailed construction estimates for large-scale projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, bid documents, and other front-end project information to establish accurate project costs.
• Develop quantity takeoffs, labor estimates, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor pricing, and other project cost components.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to obtain and evaluate competitive pricing.
• Identify project risks, scope gaps, cost exposures, and other considerations that may affect the estimate or project execution.
• Participate in bid reviews, bid-day preparation, and final estimate reconciliation.
• Collaborate with preconstruction leadership, project managers, operations teams, and business development to develop effective bidding strategies.
• Assist with cost planning, value engineering, and constructability reviews to identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Support Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) proposals and other preconstruction deliverables, as required.
• Utilize historical cost data, estimating databases, and current market pricing to improve estimating accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation, cost breakdowns, bid records, and supporting project information.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives involving estimating processes, technology, and cost management practices.
• Participate in client interviews, project presentations, and internal estimate reviews when required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• 10+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably involving large or complex construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor requirements, subcontractor pricing, and project cost development.
• Experience preparing detailed estimates from construction drawings, specifications, and bid packages.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software and related cost management tools.
• Experience with quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, bid comparisons, and estimate reviews.
• Ability to identify scope discrepancies, project risks, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across project teams.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.
• High attention to detail, accountability, and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with large-scale commercial construction or general contracting projects.
• Familiarity with CMAR delivery methods and preconstruction services.
• Experience coordinating subcontractor bids and evaluating scope inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications.
• Knowledge of historical cost databases, market pricing, and construction cost trends.
• Experience collaborating with project operations teams on budgets, constructability, and project execution strategies.
• Exposure to value engineering, cost planning, and alternative construction methodologies.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to join an established construction organization with a strong project portfolio.
• Exposure to complex construction projects and detailed preconstruction activities.
• Collaboration with experienced estimating, operations, and project leadership teams.
• Opportunity to contribute directly to bid strategy, cost planning, and project success.
• A professional environment that values technical expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Long-term career development opportunities within estimating and preconstruction leadership.