Senior Estimator

Gba-Builders; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and time off

Employee assistance program (EAP) and"

Job summary

GBA Builders is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating across Life Sciences, Mission Critical, Industrial, and Federal projects. You will develop complete estimates, guide the team, and ensure timely, competitive bids.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management and 12+ years of relevant experience, OSHA 30, and strong software proficiency. Travel may be required as part of preconstruction activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of experience or equivalent.
• Experience supervising staff with increasing levels of responsibility.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience negotiating with vendors, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
• Expert ability to interpret and analyze complex data, plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Deep expertise in estimating principles and practices; lead project-specific methodologies.
• Attention to detail to maintain accuracy and consistency across estimates.
• Proficiency with Excel, On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, Pantera or similar software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating team to ensure complete, timely deliverables.
• Manage workload and priorities with the Director of Estimating.
• Mentor lower-level staff to maintain high standards.
• Review plans and specs to identify scopes and takeoffs.
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier proposals and build relationships.
• Support conceptual estimating for strategic pursuits.
• Develop ROMs at 0–30% milestones with A/E partners.
• Identify risks and reflect them in pricing and schedules.
• Provide constructability reviews and cost-reduction ideas.
• Develop and deliver owner proposals aligned with strategy and client expectations.
• Maintain bid spreadsheets and data for estimates.
• Collaborate across teams and lead preconstruction meetings.
• Research current materials and trends for planning.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Mentoring staff

Analytical data interpretation

Project cost estimation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field

Tools

Excel

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

Pantera

Job description

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At GBA Builders, we bring vision to life through collaboration, craftsmanship, and commitment. Our teams are driven by a shared passion for delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient projects that make an impact in the communities we serve. We’re looking for a Senior Estimator to lead the preconstruction and estimating process across multiple project types, including Life Sciences, Mission Critical, Industrial, and Federal projects. This role develops complete estimates for submission, provides leadership throughout the estimating process, and guides team members to deliver accurate, timely, and competitive work products.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the estimating team to ensure complete and timely execution of estimate deliverables.
• Manage team workload through clear communication, coordination, and prioritization of tasks with the Director of Estimating.
• Teach and mentor lower-level staff to maintain high standards of accuracy and efficiency.
• Review project plans and specifications to identify required scopes of work and compile quantity takeoffs.
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier proposals, verify participation, and build long-term relationships that support accurate and competitive bids.
• Support conceptual estimating for strategic pursuits, ensuring proposed solutions are competitive, feasible, and aligned with company standards.
• Develop high-level rough orders of magnitude (ROMs) at 0–30% design milestones in collaboration with A/E partners and the pursuit team.
• Identify and assess potential risks early in the pursuit process and reflect them accurately in pricing, scheduling assumptions, and mitigation strategies.
• Provide constructability reviews and identify potential cost-reduction measures.
• Develop, write, review, and deliver owner proposals, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project strategy and client expectations.
• Identify and communicate project risks and opportunities to inform leadership and support team decision-making.
• Develop and maintain bid spreadsheets to compile and organize data for use in cost estimates.
• Support the Director of Estimating with departmental planning, direction, and implementation of procedural improvements.
• Collaborate across estimating, operations, design, and business development teams, and lead preconstruction meetings, estimate presentations, and project turnovers.
• Research current construction materials, methods, and industry trends to support accurate preconstruction planning.
• Operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company as an essential function of the role.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field and 12+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience directly or indirectly supervising staff with increasing levels of responsibility.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience negotiating with vendors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Expert ability to interpret and analyze complex data, construction plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Deep expertise in construction and estimating principles and practices, with the ability to lead methodologies tailored to project-specific requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to set standards for accuracy, consistency, and completeness across estimating deliverables.
• Ability to turn conceptual, vague, verbal, or written information into a high-level budget and/or schedule.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, as well as On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, and Pantera or similar preconstruction software.
• Ability to anticipate team dynamics and adapt communication style to maintain collaboration and trust.
• Emotionally intelligent leadership and the ability to mentor others through interpersonal challenges and team morale concerns.
• Active participation in the Immersive EQ program to improve the lowest domain.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.

Travel

• Travel to job sites for pre-bid meetings may be required approximately 10–20% of the time.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At GBA Builders, you’ll be part of a team that values integrity, safety, and innovation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives
• Paid company holidays, floating holidays, and flexible time off
• Opportunities for training, professional growth, and advancement

At GBA, we are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer promoting diversity in our workforce by including all individuals regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law.