Senior Estimator

Centurion Selection; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Centurion Selection is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction efforts for large-scale commercial and multifamily projects in San Diego. You will develop budgets and detailed estimates, manage subcontractor coverage, and drive value through design-assist and risk reviews.

The ideal candidate has 7–12+ years of estimating experience, strong knowledge of construction markets, and proficiency with leading estimating tools.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of estimating/preconstruction experience
• Experience estimating ground-up commercial and/or multifamily construction
• Projects range from approximately $20M–$150M+
• Strong understanding of drawings, specs, building systems, and trade scopes
• Experience developing conceptual through detailed construction estimates
• Strong subcontractor relationships and knowledge of the local market
• Identify scope gaps and accurately level subcontractor proposals
• Understanding of labor, material, equipment, and general conditions costs
• Experience with negotiated, hard-bid, and/or design-build projects
• Proficiency with estimating software (OST, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, Procore, Sage Estimating, Destini)
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts for commercial and multifamily projects from conceptual design through GMP/final bid
• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates
• Perform and/or oversee quantity takeoffs and scope reviews
• Develop comprehensive project budgets and cost models
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing and ensure strong bid coverage across all trades
• Analyze subcontractor proposals for scope, exclusions, qualifications, and gaps
• Prepare detailed bid leveling and scope comparison packages
• Develop scopes of work for subcontractor bid packages
• Review drawings and specs to identify constructability issues, scope gaps, and cost-saving opportunities
• Maintain current knowledge of material, labor, and subcontractor pricing
• Develop historical cost databases and utilize previous project data for conceptual estimating
• Participate in value engineering and design-assist exercises
• Work closely with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal operations teams
• Lead estimate reviews and present budgets to senior leadership and clients
• Assist with project buyout and transition awarded projects to operations
• Mentor Estimators and Assistant Estimators in preconstruction
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors in the local market

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

OST

Bluebeam

BuildingConnected

Procore

Sage Estimating

Destini

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join the preconstruction team and lead estimating efforts for large-scale commercial and multifamily construction projects.

This individual will be responsible for developing accurate conceptual budgets and detailed estimates, managing subcontractor coverage, performing quantity takeoffs, analyzing bids, and partnering with operations and preconstruction teams from early design through contract award.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts for commercial and multifamily projects from conceptual design through GMP/final bid
• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates
• Perform and/or oversee quantity takeoffs and scope reviews
• Develop comprehensive project budgets and cost models
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier pricing and ensure strong bid coverage across all trades
• Analyze subcontractor proposals for scope, exclusions, qualifications, and potential gaps
• Prepare detailed bid leveling and scope comparison packages
• Develop scopes of work for subcontractor bid packages
• Review drawings and specifications to identify constructability issues, scope gaps, and cost-saving opportunities
• Maintain current knowledge of material, labor, and subcontractor pricing
• Develop historical cost databases and utilize previous project data for conceptual estimating
• Participate in value engineering and design-assist exercises
• Work closely with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal operations teams
• Lead estimate reviews and present budgets to senior leadership and clients
• Assist with project buyout and transition awarded projects to operations
• Mentor Estimators and Assistant Estimators within the preconstruction department
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors throughout the local market

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of estimating/preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor
• Strong experience estimating ground-up commercial and/or multifamily construction
• Experience estimating projects ranging from approximately $20M–$150M+
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, building systems, and trade scopes
• Experience developing conceptual through detailed construction estimates
• Strong subcontractor relationships and knowledge of the local trade market
• Ability to identify scope gaps and accurately level subcontractor proposals
• Strong understanding of labor, material, equipment, general conditions, and project-specific costs
• Experience with negotiated, hard-bid, and/or design-build projects
• Excellent analytical, organizational, negotiation, and communication skills
• Proficiency with estimating software such as OST, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, Procore, Sage Estimating, Destini, or similar platforms
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates with estimating experience across one or more of the following are preferred:

• Multifamily / Apartments
• Mixed-Use Developments
• High-Rise & Mid-Rise Residential
• Office / Corporate Interiors
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Education
• Commercial Ground-Up Construction

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technically strong estimator who understands both the numbers and how projects are actually built. They can take an early-stage set of drawings and develop a reliable budget, identify risks before they become problems, build strong subcontractor coverage, and confidently present estimates to clients and senior leadership.

They should have a strong understanding of the commercial and multifamily construction market and be capable of independently leading estimates for large, complex projects.