Senior Estimator

Elite-Recruiting-; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite-Recruiting- is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects. You will develop accurate cost estimates, manage preconstruction processes, coordinate subcontractor procurement, and support projects from budgeting through turnover to operations.

The ideal candidate has strong estimating expertise and excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Experience with conceptual estimating, GMP development, value engineering, and constructability reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and cost analysis for conceptual through final construction estimates.
• Manage preconstruction activities including budgets, schedules, and procurement strategies.
• Coordinate subcontractor bidding, bid leveling, and value engineering analyses.
• Support project teams with change order pricing and cost analysis.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating standards.

Skills

Estimating expertise

Communication

Preconstruction leadership

Budgeting

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

BuildingConnected

PlanSwift

OST (On-Screen Takeoff)

Job description

Senior Estimator

Location: Perry, GA

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimatorto lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects. This role is responsible for developing accurate cost estimates, managing the preconstruction process, coordinating subcontractor procurement, evaluating project risk, and supporting projects from conceptual budgeting through award and turnover to operations.

The ideal candidate has strong estimating expertise, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and project teams to deliver competitive, high-quality proposals.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Cost Analysis

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and final construction estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and project documents to develop comprehensive estimates.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies while maintaining profitability goals.
• Maintain historical cost databases and estimating benchmarks.
• Present estimate reviews to executive leadership prior to submission.

Preconstruction Management

• Lead preconstruction activities from project pursuit through turnover to operations.
• Develop project budgets, preliminary schedules, logistics plans, and procurement strategies.
• Coordinate subcontractor and supplier bidding efforts.
• Conduct subcontractor bid leveling, scope reviews, and value engineering analyses.
• Perform constructability reviews and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Evaluate project risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Participate in owner meetings, design reviews, and preconstruction planning sessions.

Collaboration & Project Support

• Work closely with operations teams to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution.
• Support project teams with change order pricing, budget updates, and cost analysis.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, and consultants.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating standards and best practices.
• Manage multiple estimates and preconstruction efforts simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from $1 million to $20million+.
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and building systems.
• Experience with conceptual estimating, GMP development, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected, PlanSwift, OST, or similar platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, manufacturing, or institutional construction projects.
• Familiarity with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
• Professional certifications such as CPE, CCM, DBIA, PMP, LEED, or related credentials.
• Experience leading multiple pursuits and preconstruction efforts simultaneously.