Senior Estimator - Interior/Exterior Specialty Construction

Brady West, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

50 work‑from‑home days annually

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Brady West, Inc. in California is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator for commercial specialty construction, including drywall, metal framing, ceilings, plaster, EIFS, and related scopes. The role requires strong estimating expertise and the ability to mentor junior staff.

You will lead detailed takeoffs, develop budgets and bid strategies, evaluate subcontractor quotes, and coordinate with operations. Experience with BuzzBid and ERP tools is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience in commercial specialty construction.
• Experience with drywall, metal framing, ceilings, plaster, EIFS, and related scopes.
• Ability to independently manage large, complex estimates.
• Proficient with Bluebeam and estimating software.
• Strong MS Office skills (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Penta, Plexxis, Viewpoint, or Sage.
• Experience reading drawings, specs, contracts, and schedules.
• Mentoring estimators or leading estimating teams preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate, competitive estimates for complex commercial projects.
• Review plans, specs, addenda, schedules, and contract documents to determine scope and risk.
• Perform quantity takeoffs using BuzzBid.
• Develop budgetary, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates with pricing strategies.
• Solicit and negotiate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Collaborate with operations and field leadership on labor strategies and constructability.
• Prepare proposals, clarifications, and preconstruction documents; mitigate risks.
• Support handoff, change orders, budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis.
• Build relationships with general contractors, owners, architects, vendors, and partners.
• Monitor market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and competition.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating standards.

Skills

Estimating

Bluebeam

BuzzBid

Microsoft Office

Communication

Leadership

Project management

Education

Construction Management degree

Engineering degree

Tools

BuzzBid

QuickBid

OST

Penta

Plexxis

Viewpoint

Sage

Job description

Join our growing team! We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator with expertise in commercial specialty construction, including drywall, metal framing, ceilings, plaster, EIFS, wall systems, acoustics, and related scopes. The ideal candidate brings strong industry and technical estimating expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to mentor others while contributing to continuous improvement across the estimating function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate, complete, and competitive estimates for complex commercial construction projects.
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, schedules, and contract documents to determine project scope, requirements, and risk factors.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs utilizing BuzzBid.
• Develop conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates while implementing pricing strategies aligned with market conditions and business objectives.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
• Partner with operations, project management, and field leadership to validate labor strategies, production assumptions, and constructability considerations.
• Prepare proposals, qualifications, clarifications, and other preconstruction documents while identifying and mitigating project risks.
• Support project handoff as well as change order pricing, budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with general contractors, owners, architects, vendors, and industry partners.
• Monitor market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and competitive activity.
• Mentor and support junior estimators and assist with the development of estimating standards and best practices.
• Contribute to strategic planning, process improvements, and continuous enhancement of preconstruction operations.
• Support business development efforts through customer engagement, project pursuit strategies, and relationship-building activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of estimating experience in commercial specialty construction.
• Demonstrated experience with an interior and/or exterior specialty contractor specializing in drywall, metal framing, ceilings, plaster, EIFS, wall systems, acoustics, or related scopes.
• Proven ability to independently manage large, complex, or high-profile project estimates.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam and estimating software such as BuzzBid, QuickBid, OST, or comparable platforms.
• Skilled with Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material procurement, and construction means and methods.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and project schedules.
• Experience evaluating contract language and identifying project risks.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple pursuits and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience supporting large‑scale commercial projects preferably in healthcare, education, industrial, hospitality, mission‑critical, or advanced technology spaces.
• Prior experience mentoring estimators or leading estimating teams preferred.
• Experience with ERP system Penta preferred. Other similar ERP experience including Plexxis, Viewpoint, Sage, or similar platforms are acceptable.
• Experience utilizing unit‑cost databases and production‑based estimating methods.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Experience supporting negotiated work, design‑assist, or design‑build delivery methods preferred.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a nationally recognized, growing organization.
• Enjoy a culture built on people and values: Respect, Integrity, Growth, Honesty, and Teamwork – The R.I.G.H.T. Way.
• Work on some of the largest and most complex commercial construction projects across the country.
• Collaborate with operational and executive leaders while influencing preconstruction strategy across multiple specialty construction businesses.
• Competitive benefits package and 50 work‑from‑home days annually.
• Career advancement opportunities across our family of companies.

California Pay Range

The anticipated pay range for this position is $100,000 to $180,000 annually. Actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, project complexity, leadership experience, and other job‑related factors. This position may also be eligible to participate in additional incentive programs, bonuses, and benefits that contribute to the total rewards package.

Brady West is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Reasonable Accommodation: Brady West is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If you require assistance or accommodation during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.