Senior Estimator | Design-Build Commercial Construction | 15+ Years Experience

DBSI; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with Company Match

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Job summary

DBSI is seeking a Senior Estimator to join our preconstruction team, shaping budgets and strategies from concept through completion on national design-build projects. You will partner with clients, architects, and leadership to influence cost, scope, and value engineering, ensuring viable, competitive proposals.

You will work on ground-up and renovation projects, develop budgets, present to stakeholders, and guide teams through design development with a focus on accuracy and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Proven experience in a design-build organization.
• Proven experience developing and presenting budgets directly to clients.
• Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, budget validations, and project proposals.
• Ground-up commercial construction projects.
• Renovations and remodels.
• Review project drawings, specifications, and design intent to develop accurate budgets.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering solutions.
• Lead cost planning efforts from concept through construction documentation.
• Present project budgets and cost information directly to clients and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with architects, designers, project managers, and operations teams.
• Communicate project costs, assumptions, and recommendations clearly.
• Support DBSI's integrated design-build process and value proposition.

Skills

Communication

Presentation

Client relationships

Budgeting

Cost management

Cost forecasting

Team collaboration

Risk management

Tools

BuildingConnected

Excel

MS Office

Blueprint interpretation

Job description

At DBSI, we don't just estimate projects, we help bring them to life.

With more than $1 billion in completed construction projects nationwide, DBSI has earned a reputation for delivering innovative banking, healthcare, and corporate environments through our fully integrated design-build approach. Our success is rooted in strong client relationships, exceptional teamwork, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

We're seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to become a key member of our preconstruction team. This is an opportunity for a seasoned construction professional who enjoys collaborating with architects, engaging with clients, influencing project strategy, and helping drive successful outcomes from concept through completion.

If you're passionate about design-build construction and thrive at the intersection of estimating, client engagement, and project planning, we'd love to hear from you.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Play a critical role in shaping projects before construction begins

Partner directly with clients, architects, and leadership teams

Work on high-profile commercial projects across the country

Influence project strategy, budgeting, and value engineering

Join a growing company where your expertise is valued and your input matters

Be part of a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement

What You'll Be Doing

As a Senior Estimator, you'll serve as a trusted advisor throughout the preconstruction process, helping clients make informed decisions while ensuring projects remain financially viable and strategically positioned for success.

• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, budget validations, and project proposals
• Ground-up commercial construction
• Renovations and remodels
• Review project drawings, specifications, and design intent to develop accurate budgets
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering solutions
• Lead cost planning efforts from concept through construction documentation
• Present project budgets and cost information directly to clients and stakeholders
• Serve as a trusted resource during project planning and design development
• Clearly communicate project costs, assumptions, and recommendations
• Support the presentation of DBSI's integrated design-build process and value proposition
• Work closely with architects, designers, project managers, and operations teams
• Participate in design reviews and client planning sessions
• Guide project teams on budget implications throughout project development
• Provide strategic cost guidance during key project milestones

Subcontractor & Market Development

• Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier proposals
• Build and maintain relationships with qualified trade partners across the country
• Monitor labor, material, and market trends to support accurate forecasting
• Continue expanding DBSI's national subcontractor network

What Makes You Successful

Strategic Thinker

You understand how design decisions impact cost, schedule, and project success.

You can confidently present financial information and earn credibility with clients and project teams.

Detail Driven

You take pride in producing accurate, well-supported estimates and proposals.

You thrive in a team environment and enjoy partnering with clients, designers, and builders to create successful outcomes.

You proactively identify risks, opportunities, and innovative solutions that improve project value.

What You Bring

Required Experience

• 15+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
• Previous experience within a design-build organization
• Proven experience developing and presenting budgets directly to clients
• Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
• Experience supporting projects across multiple regions and markets

Technical Expertise

Proficiency in:

• BuildingConnected
• Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel
• Blueprint and specification interpretation
• Construction means, methods, materials, and systems
• Job costing and project financial management

Professional Skills

• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities
• Strong client relationship management skills
• Outstanding organizational and time-management capabilities
• Ability to communicate complex cost information clearly and effectively
• Commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and continuous improvement

Why DBSI

Competitive Rewards

• Quarterly SMART Goal Bonus Program
• Opportunity to contribute to high-visibility projects nationwide
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Work alongside experienced industry professionals
• A culture that values innovation, accountability, and leadership

Build What's Next

This is more than an estimating position. It's an opportunity to influence project success from day one, partner with clients at a strategic level, and help shape the future of a growing national design-build organization.

If you're a highly experienced estimator looking for an opportunity where your expertise, insight, and leadership truly make an impact, we invite you to explore a career with DBSI.

Apply today and help us build what's next.