Senior Estimator

Hirebridge; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

IMC Construction is seeking a Senior Estimator based in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is vital for preparing estimates and leading preconstruction efforts, ensuring projects are accurately budgeted and set for success. The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years of experience in commercial construction estimating, strong management skills, and proficiency in relevant software. You will collaborate across teams and support client relationships while continuously improving estimating processes.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, or cost control within commercial construction.
• Strong understanding of estimating across all phases (conceptual through GMP).
• Ability to develop detailed budgets, cost models, and trade scopes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates across all phases of design.
• Lead preconstruction planning efforts, including strategy meetings.
• Actively develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors.
• Prepare clear scopes of work, solicit bids, and lead analysis.
• Perform detailed cost analysis and identify value engineering opportunities.
• Work closely with Operations, Project Management, and Business Development.
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and interviews.
• Handle multiple estimates and preconstruction efforts simultaneously.
• Identify best practices, contribute to process improvements.
• Coach, mentor, and develop Estimators and Junior Estimators.

Skills

Experience in estimating, preconstruction, or cost control

Strong understanding of estimating across all phases

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Clear communication skills

Ability to manage multiple projects

Proficiency with construction estimating software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

Procore

Revit

AutoCAD

Assemble

Job description

At IMC Construction, our Senior Estimators play a critical role in shaping projects before they ever break ground. You’ll lead the estimating and preconstruction process, developing accurate budgets, evaluating risk, and helping position projects for success from the earliest stages.

This role is ideal for someone who not only understands the numbers but also sees the bigger picture, someone who can think strategically, collaborate across teams, and build strong relationships with clients and trade partners.

The Senior Estimator will be the estimating leader on the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia team. Responsibilities will include driving bid efforts for the new location and building on local relationships with subcontractors. In conjunction with the local leadership and the main office team, this role will collaborate with the growth and development of an exciting new office team and to further establish IMC Construction in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia markets.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Lead the Estimating Process

Prepare detailed estimates across all phases of design from conceptual through construction, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project requirements.

Drive Preconstruction Strategy

Lead preconstruction planning efforts, including strategy meetings, cost modeling, and approach development. Help guide decisions that impact budget, schedule, and overall project success.

Build & Strengthen Subcontractor Relationships

Actively develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors. Ensure broad, competitive coverage on all bids while cultivating a reliable network of trade partners aligned with IMC’s standards for quality and performance.

Develop Scopes & Manage Bid Process

Prepare clear, comprehensive scopes of work, solicit bids, and lead the analysis and leveling of subcontractor proposals. Ensure alignment across trades and proactively address any gaps or overlaps.

Analyze Costs & Identify Opportunities

Build and maintain cost models, perform detailed cost analysis, and identify value engineering opportunities to help clients achieve their project goals.

Collaborate Across Teams

Work closely with Operations, Project Management, and Business Development to align on project pursuits and ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction into execution.

Support Client Relationships

Participate in client meetings, presentations, and interviews. Communicate estimates clearly and professionally to build trust and confidence.

Manage Multiple Pursuits

Handle multiple estimates and preconstruction efforts simultaneously while maintaining organization, accuracy, and responsiveness.

Continuously Improve Processes

Identify best practices, contribute to process improvements, and help strengthen IMC’s overall preconstruction approach.

Lead, Coach & Develop the Team

Serve as a leader within the Preconstruction team by coaching, mentoring, and developing Estimators and Junior Estimators. Provide guidance, share best practices, and help elevate overall team performance while fostering a collaborative and accountable environment.

Skills & Requirements

• 5–8+ years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, or cost control within commercial construction
• Strong understanding of estimating across all phases (conceptual through GMP)
• Ability to develop detailed budgets, cost models, and trade scopes
• Experience managing subcontractor bidding and procurement processes
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Clear communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with construction and estimating software (Excel, Bluebeam, Procore, Revit, AutoCAD, Assemble, etc.)
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)