Senior Estimator - Commercial Construction Lead

CMC Development & Construction; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness Benefits

Retirement Planning

Paid Time Off

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

CMC Development & Construction in Houston, Texas is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead detailed cost estimates for commercial projects, coordinate subcontractor participation, and drive accurate preconstruction planning. You will independently prepare bids, analyze drawings, and manage risks while maintaining high standards of accuracy and accountability.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in commercial construction estimating, strong knowledge of methods and materials, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, trade scopes, and estimating practices.
• Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid leveling.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and digital construction documents.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including new construction, renovations, additions, and interior improvements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, and competitive bid submissions.
• Evaluate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs.
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, project risks, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project evaluations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners.
• Manage bid invitations, subcontractor outreach, follow-ups, and bid coverage using BuildingConnected.
• Identify qualified trade partners and expand subcontractor participation across assigned pursuits.
• Review and level subcontractor proposals to ensure complete and comparable scopes of work.
• Identify exclusions, qualifications, allowances, and missing scope before finalizing estimates.
• Coordinate bid-day activities, pricing reviews, and final proposal preparation.
• Collaborate with Operations, Business Development, and Procurement throughout the preconstruction process.
• Support Go/No-Go evaluations, bid strategy discussions, and project pursuit planning.
• Assist with value engineering, cost analysis, and alternative construction methods.
• Maintain organized estimating documentation, historical cost data, and subcontractor pricing records.
• Prepare detailed estimate handoff packages for awarded projects.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating procedures, tools, and preconstruction workflows.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/related field

Tools

BuildingConnected

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Excel

Job description

CMC Development & Construction in Houston, Texas is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead detailed cost estimates for commercial projects, coordinate subcontractor participation, and drive accurate preconstruction planning. You will independently prepare bids, analyze drawings, and manage risks while maintaining high standards of accuracy and accountability.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in commercial construction estimating, strong knowledge of methods and materials, and proficiency with