Senior Estimator

CSI Construction Company; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Performance-based bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays

Company-sponsored benefits

Job summary

CSI Construction is seeking an experienced Lead/Senior Estimator to lead the estimating process from concept through final bid. The role requires ownership of bids, development of bid strategies, risk identification, and strong collaboration with subcontractors, project teams, and leadership.

Bring 7+ years of progressive estimating, a bachelor's in a related field, and proven ability to manage complex bids independently.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive construction estimating experience
• Experience leading complex bids and independently managing estimates
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing
• Extensive experience reading plans, specs, and contract documents
• Advanced Excel and estimating software proficiency

Responsibilities

• Lead estimates for projects from conceptual design through final construction documents
• Review plans, specs, drawings, scopes of work, addenda, and other docs
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general condition estimates
• Develop complete budgets and bid proposals
• Negotiate subcontractor and vendor proposals and maintain relationships
• Coordinate estimating activities to ensure timely, accurate bids
• Prepare bid documentation for management review and approval
• Mentor junior estimators and collaborate with PM, ops, and leadership

Skills

Leadership

Bid management

Estimating

Communication

Risk assessment

Negotiation with subs

Independent work

Education

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

Tools

Procore

Sage/Timberline

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

BuildingConnected

Job description

Compensation: $120,000–$160,000 base salary + company bonus program and benefits

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Regional Vice President

Position Summary

CSI Construction is seeking an experienced and self-sufficient Lead / Senior Estimator to join our growing construction team. This position will take a leadership role in developing competitive, accurate, and profitable estimates for a variety of construction projects from initial opportunity through final bid and project handoff.

The ideal candidate is an experienced construction estimator who can independently lead the estimating process, develop effective bid strategies, identify project risks, and collaborate with subcontractors, vendors, project management, operations, business development, and executive leadership.

Why Join CSI Construction?

This is an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on CSI Construction's continued growth. The Lead / Senior Estimator will have the autonomy and responsibility to influence which projects we pursue, how we price them, and how we expand into new construction markets.

This is a senior-level opportunity for an estimator who can operate independently, take ownership of complex bids, and serve as a technical and strategic resource to the organization.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is more than someone who can put together an estimate. We are looking for someone who can own the estimating process, lead bids, make sound business decisions, and contribute to company growth.

You should be comfortable walking into a project, understanding the scope, developing the estimate, challenging assumptions, identifying risks, working with subcontractors, and presenting your recommendations to leadership.

You should also be interested in helping CSI Construction grow beyond its current market focus. Experience in multiple construction sectors is highly valued, as this position will play an important role in diversifying the company's project portfolio and expanding into new opportunities.

• Lead estimates for projects ranging from conceptual and schematic design through final construction documents.
• Review plans, specifications, drawings, scopes of work, addenda, and other project documentation.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop accurate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general condition estimates.
• Develop complete and competitive project budgets and bid proposals.
• Analyze project documents to identify scope gaps, discrepancies, conflicts, exclusions, and potential risks.
• Develop comprehensive bid strategies based on project requirements, market conditions, competition, schedule, and company objectives.
• Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Evaluate alternative construction methods and identify value-engineering opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and client/owner meetings as needed.
• Coordinate estimating activities and ensure bids are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive bid documentation for management review and approval.

Business Growth & Market Diversification

• Partner with Business Development and executive leadership to evaluate new project opportunities.
• Help identify and pursue construction opportunities inside and outside of CSI Construction's traditional multifamily market.
• Bring knowledge of additional construction sectors, clients, subcontractors, and market opportunities.
• Develop estimating strategies that support entry into new markets and project types.
• Research construction costs, labor availability, subcontractor capacity, and market conditions in emerging markets.
• Provide estimating expertise during early-stage opportunity evaluation and go/no-go decisions.
• Help establish estimating processes and relationships that support sustainable company growth.
• Serve as a senior technical resource within the estimating/preconstruction function.
• Lead complex bids with a high degree of independence and accountability.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior and intermediate estimators as needed.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Operations, Business Development, Finance, Safety, and executive leadership.
• Establish and maintain consistent estimating practices, standards, templates, and procedures.
• Participate in project turnover meetings to ensure a thorough transition from estimating to operations.
• Communicate project assumptions, risks, opportunities, and estimating decisions clearly to leadership.
• Support continuous improvement of CSI Construction's preconstruction and estimating processes.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive construction estimating experience, preferably with significant experience leading complex bids.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage estimates from initial review through final bid.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.
• Extensive experience reading and interpreting construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong quantity takeoff and cost-estimating skills.
• Experience with subcontractor/vendor solicitation, bid leveling, scope analysis, and negotiations.
• Ability to identify project risks, scope gaps, and cost exposures.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with project teams and executive leadership.
• Proven track record of producing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience estimating multiple construction types beyond multifamily.
• Experience with commercial, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, retail, mixed-use, infrastructure, or other complex construction projects.
• Experience with value engineering and preconstruction services.
• Previous experience mentoring or leading other estimators.
• Strong subcontractor and vendor relationships across multiple geographic markets.
• Experience helping a construction company enter new markets or expand its project portfolio.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction estimating/takeoff software.
• Experience with platforms such as Sage/Timberline, Procore, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, BuildingConnected, or similar systems.

Base Salary: $120,000–$160,000 annually

In addition to base compensation, this position is eligible for CSI Construction's standard bonus program and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Unlimited PTO
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays
• Company-sponsored benefits
• CSI Construction is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.