Senior Estimator

J Benton Construction; United States Virgin Islands; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Short Term Disability

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401(k) retirement plan with company #

Life Insurance

Job summary

J. Benton Construction is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead estimating efforts on complex, large-scale projects, including conceptual estimates, budgets, and GMPs.

You will manage bids and collaborate with managers, engineers, architects, and clients to define scope and optimize value. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of estimating experience (or 10+ in progressive roles) and proficiency with industry software and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field with 5+ years estimating experience; or 10+ years progressive experience.
• Proficiency in industry-standard estimating software and advanced Excel skills.
• Thorough knowledge of construction methods, materials, codes, safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, and overhead.
• Manage the bidding process, including proposal preparation and submission.
• Collaborate with project teams (managers, engineers, architects, clients) to define scope and resolve issues.
• Conduct site visits to gather data and validate project requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers for pricing and materials.
• Perform quantity take-offs, cost analysis, value engineering, and risk assessments.
• Develop budgets, GMPs, and supporting estimate documentation (assumptions, comparisons, scope sheets).
• Oversee subcontractor solicitation and selection.
• Improve estimating processes and ensure adherence to company standards.
• Mentor junior estimators and support team development.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Process improvement

Attention to detail

Risk identification

Integrity

Education

Engineering/CM degree

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Us

J. Benton Construction, LLC is more than a construction company— we are a team of builders committed to delivering exceptional project experiences while giving back to the Virgin Islands community where we live and work. Our mission is to be recognized as one of the leading construction companies in the Caribbean through an unwavering focus on customer service, quality, and continuous improvement.

Since 2019, J. Benton has been in a strategic partnership with Consigli Construction Co., Inc., one of the Northeast’s top general contractors. This collaboration leverages shared expertise, complementary strengths, and national-level resources to deliver best-in-class projects throughout the region.

We are proud to call the U.S. Virgin Islands our home and to build projects that make a lasting impact on our community - while offering our employees meaningful careers with opportunities to grow.

Position Description

The Senior Estimator will lead all estimating efforts on the most complex and large-scale projects, including conceptual estimates, negotiated bids, budgets, general conditions, systems studies and comparisons, value engineering, subcontractor relations and staying abreast of industry developments applicable to estimating.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, and overhead based on project documents.
• Manage the bidding process, including proposal preparation and submission.
• Collaborate with project teams (managers, engineers, architects, clients) to define scope and resolve issues.
• Conduct site visits to gather data and validate project requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers for pricing and materials.
• Perform quantity take-offs, cost analysis, value engineering, and risk assessments.
• Develop budgets, GMPs, and supporting estimate documentation (assumptions, comparisons, scope sheets).
• Oversee subcontractor solicitation and selection.
• Improve estimating processes and ensure adherence to company standards.
• Mentor junior estimators and support team development.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build relationships.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Ability to lead teams and work independently.
• Proven process improvement and efficiency optimization skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong risk identification and mitigation capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of estimating experience; or 10+ years of progressive experience in construction estimating.
• Proficiency in industry-standard estimating software.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong expertise in Excel.
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction methods, materials, and best practices.
• Thorough understanding of applicable building codes, regulations, and safety standards.

Compensation & Benefit

The base salary for this position is one component of J. Benton Construction’s total compensation package. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including a candidate’s skills, experience, education, relevant qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.

J. Benton Construction offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance:

• Company-paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (employee-only coverage, additional available)
• Company paid Short Term Disability (STD) insurance.
• PaidTime Off
• Paid Holidays (12)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Company-paid Life Insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer

J. Benton Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We do not discriminate or retaliate against applicants or employees for discussing pay and provide reasonable accommodations as required.