Senior Estimator

Ben Hur Construction Co.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ben Hur Construction Co. is seeking a Senior Estimator for their Central Division team in Indianapolis, Indiana. This role involves leading the preparation of complete estimates and managing bid proposals for complex projects.

The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of estimating experience, strong analytical skills, and a Bachelor's degree in a related field. Key responsibilities include overseeing quantity takeoffs, evaluating vendor pricing, and mentoring junior estimators.

Join a century-strong company dedicated to exceptional construction solutions.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of estimating experience with demonstrated ownership of complex bids.
• Advanced proficiency in estimating software and takeoff tools.
• Experience preparing bid proposals, client communications, and vendor coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of complete and competitive estimates for complex projects.
• Review and interpret bid documents to identify key requirements impacting costs.
• Oversee and validate quantity takeoffs for accuracy and completeness.
• Evaluate labor and vendor pricing for supported estimate summaries.
• Prepare and review bid proposals to support comprehensive submissions.
• Build and manage relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
• Assess project risks and recommend proposal strategies.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to estimating team members.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership

Time management

Construction knowledge

Education

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

Tools

Estimating software

Takeoff tools

Job description

Build Your Career With a Century‑Strong Leader in Construction

Ben Hur Construction Company has been shaping skylines and delivering exceptional construction solutions for more than 100 years. Founded in 1909 as a local steel erector, we've grown into a respected regional contractor with expertise in steel erection, fabrication, and general contracting across multiple Midwest locations. Our success is built on craftsmanship, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to safe production. Every project we take on—large or small—comes with its own challenges, and it's our people and processes that set us apart. We're looking for a Senior Estimator who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is ready to apply advanced technical knowledge, analytical expertise, and sound judgment to support our Central Division team in Indianapolis, Indiana. This role plays a key part in developing competitive, accurate bids and shaping project strategy from the earliest stages.

About The Role

The Senior Estimator leads the preparation of complete estimates, major bid packages, or complex assigned pursuits by coordinating takeoffs, bid document review, vendor and subcontractor pricing, cost assumptions, and estimate summaries. This role applies advanced construction knowledge, estimating judgment, and risk analysis to develop estimating approaches, pricing recommendations, and bid review materials for management review. The Senior Estimator provides technical guidance to Estimator I and Estimator II team members and supports accurate, competitive, and well‑documented estimates.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development of complete and competitive estimates, including bid strategy, cost assumptions, and pricing recommendations for complex projects
• Review and interpret bid documents to identify scope gaps, risks, discrepancies, and key requirements impacting cost, schedule, and logistics
• Oversee and validate quantity takeoffs, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project scope and bid requirements
• Evaluate labor, productivity rates, equipment costs, and vendor/subcontractor pricing to develop well‑supported estimate summaries
• Prepare and review bid proposals, including assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, and RFIs to support clear and comprehensive submissions
• Build and manage relationships with subcontractors and vendors, including soliciting, leveling, and analyzing bids for scope and competitiveness
• Assess project risks and contract requirements, recommending strategies, contingencies, and proposal language to protect the company
• Provide leadership and mentorship to estimating team members while collaborating with operations, clients, and internal stakeholders throughout the preconstruction process

Qualifications & Experience Needed

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• 5–10 years of estimating experience with demonstrated ownership of complex bids
• Advanced proficiency in estimating software and takeoff tools

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication abilities
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to mentor junior estimators
• Sound judgment in evaluating project risks, resolving discrepancies, and developing proposal strategies

Additional Requirements

• Experience preparing bid proposals, client communications, and vendor coordination
• Professional certifications (P.E., PMP, AIA) preferred
• Valid driver's license required