Senior Estimator

Prevail Recruiting; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Prevail Recruiting in Dallas, TX seeks a Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating for building projects. You will develop budgets from early plans, refine as designs progress, and carry projects through bidding and handoff to construction.

The role requires 5+ years of GC experience (3+ in estimating/preconstruction), proficiency with Excel and Bluebeam, and a degree in CM/CE or equivalent.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with a general contractor.
• Experience developing budgets from early concepts through detailed documents.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, drawings, and bid evaluation.
• Proficiency with Excel and Bluebeam.
• Ability to manage deadlines and communicate with clients and trade partners.
• Degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and pricing analyses.
• Manage multiple projects at different design stages.
• Review drawings for scope gaps and cost opportunities.
• Solicit bids from subcontractors and suppliers and compare proposals.
• Coordinate with clients, designers, trade partners, and internal teams.
• Prepare bid packages, clarifications, proposals, and VE recommendations.
• Identify cost and schedule risks and develop practical solutions.
• Support design-build and competitive bids and handoff to construction.

Skills

General contractor experience

Estimating

Preconstruction

Budgeting

Bluebeam

Excel

Client communication

Education

Bachelor's in CM/CE or related

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

Job description

Work arrangement: On-site

Employment type: Full-time

We’re seeking a Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for building projects. This role is suited to someone who can develop a budget from limited early plans, refine it as the design progresses, and carry a project through bidding and handoff to the construction team.

What You’ll Do

• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, quantity takeoffs, and pricing analyses.
• Manage multiple projects at different stages of design and preconstruction.
• Review drawings and specifications for scope gaps, constructability concerns, and cost opportunities.
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier bids, compare proposals, and resolve scope or pricing differences.
• Coordinate with clients, designers, trade partners, and internal project teams throughout preconstruction.
• Prepare bid packages, clarifications, proposals, and value engineering recommendations.
• Identify cost and schedule risks early and help develop practical solutions.
• Support both design-build projects and competitive bids.
• Transfer estimate assumptions, scope details, and commitments to the construction team when a project moves forward.

What You’ll Bring

• At least 5 years of experience with a general contractor, including 3 years in estimating or preconstruction.
• Experience developing estimates from early concepts through detailed construction documents.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, drawings, subcontractor scopes, and bid evaluation.
• Proficiency with Excel and Bluebeam.
• Ability to manage deadlines and communicate clearly with clients, designers, and trade partners.
• A degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

If you enjoy owning the preconstruction process, building strong trade relationships, and turning complex project information into reliable budgets, we’d like to hear from you.