Senior Estimator – Commercial Construction

Tom Trese; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary based on experience

Performance bonus opportunity

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Greater Boston-based commercial contractor seeks a Senior Estimator to join the preconstruction team. The role focuses on developing accurate estimates, supporting business development, and coordinating with operations to transition new work.

The candidate should have 5–8+ years of estimating experience, strong collaboration with subcontractors and clients, and proficiency in Sage, BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, and Office tools. This on-site role offers a competitive package and benefits.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience with conceptual estimates, hard bids, negotiated proposals, and design-build budgets.
• Proficiency with industry-standard estimating software and procurement knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, budgets, and competitive bid proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to develop complete and accurate pricing.
• Evaluate project scope, identify potential risks, and recommend cost-saving or value engineering opportunities.
• Solicit and compare subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure competitive coverage.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and industry partners.
• Develop comprehensive bid packages, manage RFIs, and communicate project requirements throughout the estimating process.
• Coordinate with project management and preconstruction teams during estimate reviews and project handoffs.
• Participate in project buyout activities and subcontractor negotiations.
• Maintain current labor, material, and subcontractor pricing databases.
• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and project walkthroughs as required.
• Utilize estimating software and Microsoft Office to prepare accurate and organized project documentation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Sage

BuildingConnected

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Estimator – Commercial Construction

Greater Boston, MA | Full-Time | Competitive Compensation + Bonus + Benefits

A respected and growing commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join its preconstruction team. This position plays a critical role in developing accurate project estimates, supporting business development efforts, and collaborating with operations to secure and successfully transition new work.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in commercial construction estimating, excels in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys working closely with subcontractors, clients, and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, budgets, and competitive bid proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to develop complete and accurate pricing.
• Evaluate project scope, identify potential risks, and recommend cost-saving or value engineering opportunities.
• Solicit and compare subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure competitive coverage.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and industry partners.
• Develop comprehensive bid packages, manage RFIs, and communicate project requirements throughout the estimating process.
• Coordinate with project management and preconstruction teams during estimate reviews and project handoffs.
• Participate in project buyout activities and subcontractor negotiations.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and conceptual estimating for projects in various stages of design.
• Maintain current labor, material, and subcontractor pricing databases.
• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and project walkthroughs as required.
• Utilize estimating software and Microsoft Office to prepare accurate and organized project documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5–8+ years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Strong ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience preparing conceptual estimates, hard bids, negotiated proposals, and design-build budgets.
• Working knowledge of construction means, methods, scheduling, and procurement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industry-standard estimating software such as Sage, BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, or similar platforms.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple estimates and meet tight deadlines.

What You'll Receive

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Career advancement with a stable, growing commercial contractor.
• Collaborative team environment with long-term project opportunities.

Interested?

If you're looking to join a highly respected commercial construction firm where your estimating expertise will directly contribute to the company's continued growth, we'd like to speak with you.

This is a confidential search. Qualified candidates will receive complete details about the employer and projects during the interview process.