Senior Estimator

CMC Development & Construction; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness Benefits

Retirement Planning

Paid Time Off

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

CMC Development & Construction in Houston, Texas is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead detailed cost estimates for commercial projects, coordinate subcontractor participation, and drive accurate preconstruction planning. You will independently prepare bids, analyze drawings, and manage risks while maintaining high standards of accuracy and accountability.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in commercial construction estimating, strong knowledge of methods and materials, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, trade scopes, and estimating practices.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid leveling.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and digital construction documents.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including new construction, renovations, additions, and interior improvements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, and competitive bid submissions.
• Evaluate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, project risks, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project evaluations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners.
• Manage bid invitations, subcontractor outreach, follow-ups, and bid coverage using BuildingConnected.
• Identify qualified trade partners and expand subcontractor participation across assigned pursuits.
• Review and level subcontractor proposals to ensure complete and comparable scopes of work.
• Identify exclusions, qualifications, allowances, and missing scope before finalizing estimates.
• Coordinate bid-day activities, pricing reviews, and final proposal preparation.
• Collaborate with Operations, Business Development, and Procurement throughout the preconstruction process.
• Support Go/No-Go evaluations, bid strategy discussions, and project pursuit planning.
• Assist with value engineering, cost analysis, and alternative construction methods.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation, historical cost data, and subcontractor pricing records.
• Prepare detailed estimate handoff packages for awarded projects.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating procedures, tools, and preconstruction workflows.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/related field

Tools

BuildingConnected

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Excel

Job description

CMC Development & Construction is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Estimator to join our growing team in Houston, Texas.

The Senior Estimator will play a key role in preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive construction estimates for commercial and public-sector projects. This position requires a hands-on professional who can independently manage the estimating process, coordinate subcontractor participation, evaluate project risks, and develop reliable pricing strategies.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical estimating skills, established subcontractor relationships, and the ability to manage multiple pursuits while maintaining accuracy, accountability, and consistency.

This is an opportunity to contribute directly to CMC's continued growth while helping strengthen our preconstruction capabilities across Texas.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Independently develop detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including new construction, renovations, additions, and interior improvements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, and competitive bid submissions.
• Evaluate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, project risks, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project evaluations.

Subcontractor Engagement & Bid Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners.
• Manage bid invitations, subcontractor outreach, follow-ups, and bid coverage using BuildingConnected.
• Identify qualified trade partners and expand subcontractor participation across assigned pursuits.
• Review and level subcontractor proposals to ensure complete and comparable scopes of work.
• Identify exclusions, qualifications, allowances, and missing scope before finalizing estimates.
• Coordinate bid-day activities, pricing reviews, and final proposal preparation.

Project Coordination & Cost Management

• Collaborate with Operations, Business Development, and Procurement throughout the preconstruction process.
• Support Go/No-Go evaluations, bid strategy discussions, and project pursuit planning.
• Assist with value engineering, cost analysis, and alternative construction methods.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation, historical cost data, and subcontractor pricing records.
• Prepare detailed estimate handoff packages for awarded projects.
• Support continuous improvement of CMC's estimating procedures, tools, and preconstruction workflows.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 7 years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Demonstrated ability to independently prepare and manage estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, trade scopes, and estimating practices.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid leveling.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and digital construction documents.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience estimating public-sector, education, healthcare, municipal, and commercial projects.
• Experience with BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, and On-Screen Takeoff.
• Familiarity with CMAR, Design-Build, competitive bidding, and Job Order Contracting.
• Established subcontractor and supplier relationships within the Texas construction market.
• Experience supporting projects ranging from $500,000 to $10 million.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will consistently deliver accurate and competitive estimates, establish reliable subcontractor bid coverage, proactively identify scope and pricing risks, and support smooth project transitions from preconstruction to operations.

This individual will demonstrate ownership of the estimating process and contribute to improving the quality, consistency, and competitiveness of CMC's pursuits.

Why Join CMC?

At CMC Development & Construction, we believe great projects start with great people. As a family-owned construction company serving communities across Texas, we provide opportunities for experienced professionals to make meaningful contributions, take ownership of their work, and grow alongside our organization.

Benefits

CMC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health and wellness benefits, retirement planning, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CMC Development & Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, consistent with applicable law.