Senior Estimator

Elite-Recruiting-; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite-Recruiting- seeks a Senior Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction for commercial projects. You will develop accurate cost estimates, manage early budgets, and support procurement through turnover to operations.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in commercial construction estimating, strong analytics, and outstanding communication to coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, subs, and project teams for competitive proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Experience estimating projects from $1 million to $20 million+.
• Proficiency with major estimating software (Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected, PlanSwift, OST).
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and final estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subs.
• Review drawings and specs to develop comprehensive estimates.
• Develop pricing strategies while maintaining profitability goals.
• Lead preconstruction activities from pursuit to turnover.
• Coordinate subcontractor bidding and value engineering analyses.
• Present estimate reviews to executives prior to submission.
• Mentor junior estimators and uphold estimating standards.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

BuildingConnected

PlanSwift

OST

Job description

Senior Estimator

Location: Perry, GA

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimatorto lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects. This role is responsible for developing accurate cost estimates, managing the preconstruction process, coordinating subcontractor procurement, evaluating project risk, and supporting projects from conceptual budgeting through award and turnover to operations.

The ideal candidate has strong estimating expertise, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and project teams to deliver competitive, high-quality proposals.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Cost Analysis

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and final construction estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and project documents to develop comprehensive estimates.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies while maintaining profitability goals.
• Maintain historical cost databases and estimating benchmarks.
• Present estimate reviews to executive leadership prior to submission.

Preconstruction Management

• Lead preconstruction activities from project pursuit through turnover to operations.
• Develop project budgets, preliminary schedules, logistics plans, and procurement strategies.
• Coordinate subcontractor and supplier bidding efforts.
• Conduct subcontractor bid leveling, scope reviews, and value engineering analyses.
• Perform constructability reviews and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Evaluate project risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Participate in owner meetings, design reviews, and preconstruction planning sessions.

Collaboration & Project Support

• Work closely with operations teams to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution.
• Support project teams with change order pricing, budget updates, and cost analysis.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, and consultants.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating standards and best practices.
• Manage multiple estimates and preconstruction efforts simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from $1 million to $20million+.
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and building systems.
• Experience with conceptual estimating, GMP development, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected, PlanSwift, OST, or similar platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, manufacturing, or institutional construction projects.
• Familiarity with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
• Professional certifications such as CPE, CCM, DBIA, PMP, LEED, or related credentials.
• Experience leading multiple pursuits and preconstruction efforts simultaneously.