Senior Estimator - Ground-Up Retail, Path to Precon Leader

Scott Humphrey Corporation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Scott Humphrey is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction efforts for ground-up retail and commercial projects in Texas. The role emphasizes conceptual estimating, budgeting, and early-stage cost planning, with a path to Preconstruction Manager/Leader.

You will partner with owners, developers, architects, and consultants to establish budgets and drive value, while mentoring junior estimators and supporting client presentations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience with a Commercial General Contractor.
• Proven experience estimating ground-up retail projects.
• Develop conceptual and schematic estimates from incomplete design packages (50% drawings or less).
• Experience providing innovative budgeting solutions and early-design guidance.
• Expertise in value engineering, constructability review, and cost planning.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction means, methods and market pricing.
• Proficiency with estimating software and quantity takeoff tools.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills; able to mentor junior estimators.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and estimating for ground-up retail and commercial projects from concept through award.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design-development, GMP, and hard-bid estimates from limited drawings.
• Prepare budgets using 50% drawings or earlier design phases.
• Collaborate with owners, developers, architects, and consultants on budgets and cost expectations.
• Provide value engineering recommendations to reduce costs.
• Lead scope reviews and ensure complete project coverage during estimating.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the preconstruction team's growth.
• Support business development with client presentations and preconstruction meetings.
• Oversee seamless turnover of awarded projects to operations.

Skills

Estimating experience (5+ yrs)

Ground-up retail

Conceptual estimates

Budgeting strategies

Preconstruction leadership

Tools

Estimating software

Quantity takeoff tools

Preconstruction platforms

Job description

Scott Humphrey is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction efforts for ground-up retail and commercial projects in Texas. The role emphasizes conceptual estimating, budgeting, and early-stage cost planning, with a path to Preconstruction Manager/Leader.

You will partner with owners, developers, architects, and consultants to establish budgets and drive value, while mentoring junior estimators and supporting client presentations.