Senior Estimator

Powers & Sons Construction; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Powers & Sons Construction, located in Chicago, Illinois, is looking for an experienced Senior Estimator who will lead estimating processes for complex projects across various sectors. The role requires collaboration with project managers and subcontractors to deliver competitive bids.

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Experience with conceptual estimating and GMP development highly preferred.
• Knowledge of union labor environments and Midwest construction markets preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead full‑cycle estimating efforts for complex construction projects.
• Analyze drawings and prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Coordinate with project management to ensure estimate accuracy.

Skills

Strong knowledge of construction means and methods

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Proficiency with estimating software

Education

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

Tools

Bluebeam

Sage Estimating

On‑Screen Takeoff

Procore

Job description

Senior Estimator

Chicago, Illinois

About Powers & Sons Construction

Powers & Sons Construction is a trusted leader in construction management, general contracting, and design‑build services, delivering high-quality projects across commercial, industrial, institutional, and public sectors. We are committed to safety, integrity, innovation, and building long‑term partnerships with our clients and communities.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our team in Chicago, Illinois. This individual will play a key leadership role in developing competitive and accurate estimates while supporting strategic growth and successful project delivery.

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating process for complex construction projects from conceptual budgeting through final proposal submission. This role collaborates closely with operations, project management, preconstruction, subcontractors, and clients to ensure complete and competitive bids aligned with company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full‑cycle estimating efforts for commercial, industrial, institutional, and public construction projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, proposals, and related documentation to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, labor analyses, and pricing strategies.
• Coordinate with project management and operations teams to ensure estimate accuracy and constructability.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost‑saving solutions.
• Participate in bid reviews, scope analysis, and proposal presentations.
• Maintain current market pricing, labor trends, and subcontractor relationships.
• Mentor junior estimators and support continuous improvement within the estimating department.
• Assist with preconstruction scheduling, budgeting, and procurement planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, materials, and pricing.
• Experience estimating projects in sectors such as healthcare, education, industrial, commercial, municipal, or public works preferred.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, On‑Screen Takeoff, Procore, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience with conceptual estimating and GMP development highly preferred.
• Knowledge of union labor environments and Midwest construction markets preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match, annual profit sharing
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative and team‑oriented work environment