Senior Estimator: Commercial & Multifamily Lead

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

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.